Carol Louise Whittaker

1957 - 2016

1957 - 2016 After a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer, Carol died on January 26. But in the end she triumphed, never losing an iota of her pluck, verve and good humor. Carol Tippett was born in San Francisco but moved to Stockton at an early age. In 1979 Carol was graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Design. She remained in the Sacramento area and for the next few years worked for furniture retailers. In 1983, Carol founded her own firm, Carol Tippett Design and for thirty years satisfied scores of residential and commercial clients through her extraordinary skills in interior architecture and design. Two patterns emerged: Her projects routinely won awards in national competitions and her clients became lifelong friends. Carol was certified by the American Society of Interior Design and served as president of the Central California Chapter from 1989 to 1991. A superb athlete, Carol was a champion skier, avid cyclist, recreational runner and wilderness hiker. Carol was a full participant in her community serving on several non-profit boards with a lifelong fondness for children's issues. She was equally comfortable chairing black-tie fundraisers for UCD's School of Design or dispensing hot meals to the homeless. She was also in high demand as a speaker at high schools and colleges particularly in describing career opportunities in her chosen profession. In 2001 Carol married Frank Whittaker. For their honeymoon they rode a tandem bicycle through Southern France. This set the stage for frequent cycling trips from Vietnam to Vienna. Carol and Frank loved to host family and friends in Sacramento and at their Tahoe cabin. Many observed that theirs was "a love of the ages". It would be hard to find anyone who had a wider circle of friends or a richer enjoyment of life than Carol. She often said that she was simply following Katherine Hepburn's advice: "Obey all the rules, miss all the fun." In addition to her adoring husband, Carol is survived by her father Tom Tippett (Barbara); sisters Susan Gorospe and Judee Tippett-Whyte (Steve); mother-in-law Margaret; stepchildren John (Mandy), Tony (Jenna) and Sarah; nephews Michael, Alex (Sabrina), Travis, Spencer and James; niece Sarah Mimilis (Nick); grandchildren Samuel and Audrey; great nieces Angelina and Aurienne; and great nephew Atley. Carol was predeceased by her much beloved mother Kathleen. Carol's family wishes to express their appreciation of her wonderful teams at Sutter Memorial, General and Rehab Institute so ably led by Doctors Ciricillo, D'Andre, Wolkov and Wu. They are also deeply grateful to her dear friend Susan Foster who has devoted this past year to Carol's wellbeing. Should you wish to honor Carol, please make a contribution to The Sacramento Bee's Book of Dreams or Sutter Hospice. At Carol's request, cremation services are private. A joyous Celebration of Life will be held at the Sutter Club on Wednesday February 10.The program begins at 3 pm and is followed by a reception. After a lifetime of accomplishment, Carol achieved her final goal to die peacefully at home with dignity. "To cease upon the midnight with no pain." Keats