Caryl Carlson Russell, 87, died peacefully at her San Clemente home Sunday, June 17, 2012, surrounded by family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents, G. Avert and Frances Wright Carlson; her husband, Harold (Bud) Russell; and brothers Bruce and Warren Carlson.
She is survived by her six children: Timothy, Michael, Gregory, Patrick, Kent, Cynthia and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Caryl was born Dec. 5, 1924, in Jamestown, New York. Soon after graduation from the former Celoron High School, Class of 1942, she married Harold (Bud), her Jamestown sweetheart. While he served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Caryl, with her baby son, Tim, her parents and her two brothers, moved from Jamestown to California. After Bud's return, their other children were born and the family lived in Tempe, Ariz., and in Fontana, Rialto, Carona, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, Calif., as Bud advanced professionally to retire as a VP of Culligan Inc. Caryl was always a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother.
The Russells especially enjoyed the ocean and in later years, Caryl and Bud looked forward to their early morning walks at the San Clemente pier. Caryl also took great pride in the variety of flowers in her beautiful garden.
A private service for family and close friends will be held July 1 with dispersal of Caryl and Harold ashes at sea. A private service for family and close friends will be held July 1 with dispersal of Caryl's and Harold's ashes at sea.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation for a memorial in their name to Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation.