Carolyn Fowler

1931 - 2018

Carolyn F. Fowler

November 11, 1931 - September 23, 2018

Carolyn Francis Fowler (née Himes) aka: Candy Fowler, age 86, resident of Millbrae, California, passed peacefully away on Sunday, September 23, 2018, at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. Her husband—Ken, two daughters—Kate Hollar and Kristine Fowler, and granddaughter—Sarah van Mastrigt, remained at her side after a heart surgery was unsuccessful. Carolyn was fully cognizant and calm in making decisions about the end of treatments.

Carolyn was raised in San Francisco during the Great Depression. Her parents George and Thelma (Van Zandt) Himes had three daughters—Marge (deceased 2007), Carolyn, and Joyce. The family enjoyed camping trips and picnics, and the girls were exposed to the arts from an early age, particularly classical music. Carolyn fondly remembered attending concerts at Stern Grove. Her father had a decisively silly streak in him and would break into a clog dance in the middle of chatting with someone, much to the delight of his daughters. What she remembers most from her parents' marriage is how her father would come home and give his wife a "movie star kiss" every night.

This proved prophetic for Carolyn and Ken enjoyed each other's company for 64 years of a very solid marriage. From the moment they met, Ken had eyes only for Carolyn and pursued her until she was his. The 67th anniversary of their first date was September 21, 2018. That first date took them to the Marin Town and Country Club in Fairfax, swimming for the day and dancing beneath the stars all night. Wise choice for both of them since Carolyn, as San Francisco State's recently crowned Homecoming Queen, had a beautiful figure in a swimming suit and they were both excellent dancers!

Ken and Carolyn enjoyed 62 years as active members of the Millbrae Lions Club and 53 years at Green Hills Country Club where she served as Ladies' Captain. Carolyn particularly adored traveling with her dear friends, the Leys and the Remenspergers.

Carolyn and Ken's daughters, Kate and Kristine, are also now happily married. When picturing their mother, the girls first think of how much they would all laugh until they cried. She was always their best audience! But it is impossible not to acknowledge her kindness, her friendliness, her intelligence, her honesty, and her love of animals. She never forgot to tell her girls how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. Carolyn read everything from newspapers to historical novels to detective fiction to medical newsletters every day, perched on a bench taking in the view of the bay and letting her beloved German Shepherd, Tessa, explore the back hill.

Her daughter Kate and husband Rick live in Texas with bevies of cats, dogs, and horses. Kate's two human children—Sarah and John—each enjoyed a close relationship with their adoring grandmother. Carolyn's granddaughter Sarah and her husband Michael had Carolyn's first fabulous great-grandchild named James, with whom Carolyn was able to enjoy many a book and games of peek-a-boo. Sarah and her Grandma checked in weekly via phone. Carolyn was equally connected to and proud of John who is currently studying to become a physical therapist and could make her laugh about absolutely anything.

Kristine and her husband Davis live in Berkeley. Kristine took an early retirement from teaching and was able to spend much of the last two years enjoying her mother's easy company. The two of them chipped away at Carolyn's bucket list, finding fun things to eat and visiting Ocean Beach (along with Kate and Tessa).

Carolyn was filled with gratitude for such a wonderful life. She could take great pleasure in watching the moonrise and discuss the myriad colors seen in the clouds or on the water. She loved to sit and chat for hours, reminiscing about past traumas and triumphs. She adored and admired her husband to the very end and regularly thanked him for being such a good provider. Hers was a life well-lived and she will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

According to her wishes, there will be a private family gathering to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memoriam to one of her favorite charities: SPCA, Mission Hospice, or National Audubon Society.