Merced Sun Star, Merced, CA. February 1,
2011
April 9, 1941 - January 28, 2011
Carolyn Marie Lemas passed away on January 28, 2011 in Merced. She was
born in Merced on April 9, 1941 to Ted and Adelaide Dove. After
graduating
from Merced High School, she went on the Fresno State University,
graduating
with high honors in 1963. Carolyn married Ensign James Joseph Wright
from
Merced on December 22, 1962. After graduation she joined her husband and
they
enjoyed Naval life. They had a daughter, Shareen Wright. Lt. James
Wright
was shot down over Hanoi, November 2, 1967 and was listed as Missing in
Action. Carolyn then returned to Merced to be with her parents.
Five years later, Carolyn met and married another special man, Richard
Lemas of Snelling, on September 9, 1972. They have enjoyed 38 years of
love
and marriage. She loved not only the man but also all of his sons,
brothers,
sisters, and the extended families.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Dick; her daughter, Shareen Wright
and
sons, Jeffrey Lemas (Anne), Richie Lemas, Todd Lemas (Britt), and Tom
Lemas
and her daughter-in-law, Carrie Mattmiller (Brian), her sister Linda
Hoffman (John), niece Kathy Hoffman, cousins Roberta Fisser (Pyatt) and
Robert
Johnson.Carolyn was fortunate to have her wonderful grandchildren nearby
and
to watch them grow up: Zach and Haley Lemas, Morgan and Logan Lemas,
Nick
and Kris Lemas, Curtis and Sadie McClure, Jordan Borchansky, Lilly
Mattmiller, great-niece and nephew Kirstynn and Trevor Macias, and
special friends
Austin and Ethan Parker. She loved to attend their sports and
extracurricular activities, spending time having family barbeques and
swimming in the
pool. Carolyn enjoyed being active and found it difficult to remain
idle.
She was one of the founding members of the Merced Genealogical Society
and
was quite active in the St. Nicholas Angelican Church for many years,
even
having served as the treasurer for the church. She had worked for
numerous
years as the office manager at Ballico-Cressey School District. Carolyn
was
many things to many people. She could never turn away someone that was
in need
of a helping hand. She took in many stray animals and people over the
years and helped them gladly.
A memorial service and celebration of Carolyn's life will be held on
Friday, February 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Anglican Church,
1635
Shaffer Road, Atwater.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society of a charity of your
choice in her honor would be appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral
Home.
Published in Merced Sun Star on February 1, 2011