Carenn Elizabeth Olson, 73, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona.
She was born April 20, 1952, in Bakersfield, CA to John W. and Francisca Antonia (Toni) Eastridge. Carenn attended East Bakersfield High School and graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1970. During high school she was an AFS foreign exchange student in Switzerland. Carenn attended UCLA where she earned a BA in German in 1974. In 1975, she and first husband Carl Olson, moved to Tucson, Arizona. As a graduate teaching assistant, she taught German courses while earning a MA in German at the UofA in 1978.
Carenn taught for 37 years in Tucson – for the Tucson Unified School District and Pima Community College District. She had a passion for life-long learning, strong communication and organizational skills, and dedication to her students. 
Among her circle of friends, she was recognized for her generosity of time, support to them and their families, her depth of knowledge, and as a delightful lunch and coffee buddy. She welcomed everyone with warmth, grace, and humor, which often turned strangers into friends. She will be missed.
Carenn was preceded in death by her second husband, Keith Emerson, and her parents, John W. and Toni Eastridge. She is survived by brother, John R. Eastridge and wife Kris, of Bakersfield, CA; niece, Janelle Eastridge of San Francisco, CA, and nephew Tyler Eastridge and wife Darian, grandniece Maple, and grandnephew Quincy of Poway, CA. 
The family wishes to express special thanks to Cheri Clinton and the Tucson Collaborative Community Care (TC3), Patricia Trujillo and Vincent Sesma and the Frances Residential Care home, and Harmony Hospice of Tucson for their compassion in providing care to Carenn during her final journey. Also, to longtime friends Liz Caccamise and April Willmore of Tucson for their support during Carenn's lengthy illness.
A memorial service and reception will be held Tuesday, November 4 at 10 am at Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams Street, Tucson AZ. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the 
American Heart Association, the 
American Diabetes Association, or a 
charity of your choice.
Published by Arizona Daily Star from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2025.