February 14, 1944 – August 8, 2017
Carolyn LaVon Schell passed away at her home in Gilroy, Calfornia on August 9, 2017.
Carolyn was born to Lloyd and LaVon Adkins on February 14, 1944 in Grinnell, Iowa. Lloyd was serving in World War II, so Carolyn did not meet her dad until she was 22 months old.
The family relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana where Carolyn attended kindergarten through mid second grade when the family moved, once again, to Washington, Iowa. They moved in 1960 to Lubbock, Texas and then to San Jose, California where she graduated in 1962 from Willow Glen High School. She went on to graduate from San Jose State University in 1966 with a B.S. in Accounting.
After college she married and lived for several years in Rochester, New York where she worked for the Xerox Corporation. Her daughter, Chantelle, was born in 1971. She returned to San Jose in 1974 and pursued her career in accounting. Carolyn married Peter Schell of San Martin, California on January 24, 1976. Peter and Carolyn were owners of the San Martin Country store and raised their family in the Gilroy area. She continued to live locally until her death. Carolyn was an active member of South Valley Community Church, Red Hats Society, AAUW, PEO, and BSF. She enjoyed her home and her many friends and family. Despite suffering for many years with rheumatoid arthritis, she always had a big smile on her face and never complained. She maintained a positive attitude and always saw the good in everyone. She loved her smart phone, online shopping, and Facebook, but the light of her life was her grandchildren!
She is survived by her husband Pete of 41 years, her daughter Chantelle McClure, her son Rob Schell, her grandchildren, Casey, Laurel, and Adeline, and her constant companion, her bichon frise Stud Muffin.
A memorial service is being held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10am at South Valley Community Church, 8095 Kelton Drive, Gilroy. Reception following at the church.
Donations can be sent in Carolyn’s honor to South Valley Community Church for their youth programs.
Online condolences at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
