Carole Vercruyssen

1948 - 2025

Carole Lewis Vercruyssen, 76, of Sacramento, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of October 27, 2025.

Carole is survived by her husband, Philip; her children, Paul Vercruyssen and his wife, Claire Cullis, and Sara Casagrande and her husband, Jack; her beloved grandchildren, Grant, Emmett, Penny, and Hayden; and her sisters, Linda Bell and her husband, Jim, of Minden, Nevada, and Gloria Shaw and her husband, Jim, of Ogden, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Catherine Lewis, and her eldest sister, Georgia.

Born the day after Christmas, 1948, in Benicia, California, Carole graduated from Sacramento State University in 1971 with a degree in nursing. She married Philip, a general contractor, in 1977. Carole began her career as a nurse at a psychiatric hospital before finding her true calling as a school nurse with the San Juan Unified School District. She cared for generations of students over more than 30 years in the same district her children and grandchildren would attend and where her daughter, Sara, continues the family's tradition of service as a first-grade teacher.

Carole was a kind and caring mother who supported her children in every way possible. She was also an accomplished cook who loved hosting family and friends, especially at her annual Fourth of July parties. Her famous chocolate chip cookies delighted generations of kids and adults alike. Known for her generosity, optimism, and compassion, Carole brought warmth and light to everyone around her.

A funeral Mass will be held on December 12, 2025, at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the Dante Club. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Carole's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Association of Northern California at https://www.panctoday.org/donate. Condolences can be sent to https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sacramento-ca/carole-vercruyssen-12579722.The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Carlton Senior Living Memory Care Unit for their tenderness and support in caring for Carole.