Carol Ann Coleman was born in May of 1935 in Berkeley, CA to Hugh and Stella Coleman. Her brother, Jim Drew followed in September of 1938. The Colemans lived in Oakland and San Leandro, CA and in Roseburg and Medford, OR. Carol Ann went to Roosevelt Grade School in 1941 while she was a Girl Scout. From 7th grade to sophomore year, Carol attended San Leandro High School, and in 1950, she attended Medford High School as a junior and senior. In high school, Carol Ann was a member and officer in many clubs and organizations: College Prep; Girls’ League 1-2-3, President 3; Choir 1-3; Crater 2-3; Index 3; Girls’ Chorus 2; Girls’ League Council 3; HECA 3; IRL 2; La Tertulia 1-2; Prom Committee 2; Ski Club 2-3; Student Council 3; Tigerettes 2-3; Tri-Hi- 1-2-3; Secretary 2; Ushers 2-3. She was also a Delta Deb. After graduation in 1953, Carol, Jim, Stella, and Hugh went on a trip to Europe, from which many fond memories and amazing photographs exist.
In 1953, Carol pledged Alpha Phi at The University of Washington, Seattle. After her sophomore year, in the summer of 1955, she married Art Monroe in Medford, OR. In 1963, Brian Arthur was born in San Mateo, CA; Scott Coleman was born in 1965 Santa Monica, CA; in Pasadena, CA, in 1968, Ellen Elizabeth was born. Now living in La Cañada, as a single mother, in 1973 Carol Coleman Monroe married Frank Lee Schutz and spent fifty years and shared twenty-two grandchildren with him. Mrs. Schutz also welcomed four new children: Chuck (1950), Bob (1951), Lori (1955), and Julie (1962). The two families lived together, with older children coming and going, and coming back, on Oakwood Avenue in La Cañada.
In La Cañada, Carol Schutz flourished with her friends, her family, and her connections to the many organizations and committees in her community. St. George’s Episcopal Church was not only her parish, but also her place of employment as a preschool teacher and her avocation as a member of the choir. Carol loved to sing and play piano. She was also an artist and a collector of fine art: attending Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, serving as a member of the Lanterman House Museum, and working as a docent at The Norton Simon Museum of Art. Carol Schutz also loved flowers and gardening. She was a member and donor of and to both Descanso Gardens and The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Her love of books and reading led her to being an important part of the La Cañada Library and the Literary Ladies of La Cañada. In these many areas of service, Carol created friendships which remained intact until her passing.
In 1998, Carol and Frank Schutz moved to Cayucos, CA, after Frank retired from JPL. Here, the Schutz enjoyed their beautiful home, new and old friends, and many visits from their seven children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Frank and Carol were members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cambria, CA. Carol served on the vestry, and Frank was an usher and helped build The Labyrinth. Carol joined the Friends of the Cayucos Library and was a member of the book club. She also donated time and money to the Rotary Club of Cayucos and helped raise funds for the reconstruction of the Cayucos Pier. Carol also volunteered at Bayside Care Facility in Morro Bay, CA.
Carol Coleman Schutz is remembered with love as a beautiful person inside and out. She was a good friend with a great sense of humor. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, mom, grandmother, great grandma, and wife. Frank and Carol celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 10th, 2023. Carol died in her bed, next to her husband, at the wonderful age of eighty-eight, at sunset, on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023.
Rest in Peace, Carol Ann <3