Carol Durazo

1938 - 2021

Carol Durazo

August 30, 1938 - September 5, 2021

Carol Durazo, age 83, died on Saturday, September 5, 2021 of natural causes. Carol is survived by her daughter Jacqueline Whitney, her son-in-law Kurt Whitney, her son David Horwitz, and her son-in-law Jonathan Geffrard. Carol was born in Salt Lake City to Rupert Lavaughn Cusick and Elsie Davies Cusick on August 30, 1938. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Durazo, her brother, Monte Cusick, and sister-in-law Elaine Cusick.

Carol said that her greatest source of pride and joy came from her children. She loved and cared so much for Jacquie and David. She made numerous sacrifices in her life to ensure they had amazing memories, fulfilling lives, strong values, and endearing hearts.

Carol loved to entertain and cook. She threw theme parties on a whim, made the house beautiful for every occasion, and she cooked some of the most wonderful food, whether it was that delicious lasagna recipe or her overnight layered salad.

The Christmas holidays with her were some of our fondest memories. She took the tree decoration very seriously. She started planning the decorations for the 15-foot tree in October, and we, as a family would spend close to a week getting that masterpiece put together right after Thanksgiving. Carol made all the holidays very special whether it was sending chimpanzees to the kids' birthdays, whipping up an elaborate and delicious Thanksgiving feast, hiding dollar bill-filled eggs on Easter, or throwing epic New Years Eve celebrations.

Carol excelled at every job she took on, and it was another great source of pride when she reflected on her life. After deciding to go back to work when her kids were old enough, she became a valued office manager for Wm. B. Woods, where she used her employee discount to make sure her kids were the best-dressed kids at any wedding. She later went on to become a salesperson at Collett's Home Furnishings where she was frequently the top salesperson for the month. Finally, she ended her successful career as a real estate agent in Yuma, AZ where she helped hundreds of families find the perfect home over nearly 10 years in the business.

She had a very strong sense of humor and was the life of every party. Even in her last few months with us, despite her failing health, she made us belly laugh every day with some sort of self-deprecating statement, or witty retort.

She was a wicked Scrabble player in her day, and she belonged to a bridge group that met monthly. Carol had a beautiful sense of style. Her clothing was always impeccable, and she brought a special form of beauty to every occasion.

Several of her friends called her the Energizer Bunny because she was always a ball of energy throughout her life. As children, Jacquie and David remember many trips to the Cottonwood Mall trying to keep up with her as she made several rapid rounds.

Carol loved to travel. In her 30's on a group trip to Acapulco, the guide asked if anyone wanted to try their hand at bullfighting, and Carol was the only volunteer. She was lucky on the bull's first pass, but the bull grazed her on the second. The matadors offered to take her to the hospital, but she declined. We enjoyed cherished vacations at Bear Lake with family friends where water skiing and barbecues spotlighted our memorable get-aways. She won a trip for her sales efforts one year at Collett's that enabled her to travel to southern France with a dear friend for a week. Once they retired, Carol and Joe were lucky enough to travel to Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Washington DC, Southern California, British Columbia and Aspen.

When we called a family friend this week to notify her of Mom's passing, she said tearfully, Well, that's an end of an era! Very well put. Mom left an incredible footprint on this earth with her huge heart, her large sense of humor, her enormous generosity, and her beautiful values. This world is a much better place because of you, and were going to miss you tremendously. Rest in peace. We know you're busy reconnecting with your friends and family who preceded you up in heaven.

Carol requested that there be no services. In lieu of flowers, any donations would be greatly appreciated for Hospice of Yuma.

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