Caroll Jean Day passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the age of 95. She was born May 1, 1927 in Hagerman, Idaho to Fred and Helen Penfold. Her two older brothers, Fred Junior and Don were delighted to welcome a baby sister with bright red hair and hazel eyes. She was immediately the sweetheart of the family.
When Caroll was 2 years old our country sank into the Great Depression. She and her family lived on a dairy ranch where she learned the value of hard work. She had to help tend to the animals, do chores and keep up with her brothers. In 1936, when Caroll was 9 years old it became evident that it was time to look for greener pastures, so her entire family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins moved west to Lebanon Oregon, where she attended local schools. She was a very active student, becoming a class officer, student body officer, cheerleader, as well as participating in both band and choir.
After high school Caroll moved on to Oregon State College. This was during World War 2 and the girls had most of the campus to themselves. In 1947 Caroll met the love of her life, Marvin Day. They were married on Nov 12, 1947, in Holley, Oregon. Their son Mike was born in Jan 1949, followed by a daughter, Debbie, in 1951. Marvin and Caroll moved to Crescent City, CA in 1954 to join Marvin's family and pursue work in the logging industry. When Debbie started Kindergarten Caroll was persuaded to start teaching on a provisional credential. She taught 4th grade at Pine Grove School and spent the next several summers completing her degree. She eventually moved to Bess Maxwell School where she taught 1st and 2nd grades until retirement. Caroll enjoyed many artistic endeavors.
She was very accomplished at watercolor, acrylics, charcoals, pen and ink as well as pottery and sculpture. She loved reading, camping, swimming, water skiing, picnics with family and friends and taking trips in their RV.
Caroll was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Day, her parents Fred and Helen Penfold, her brothers Fred and Don Penfold, her son in law Steve Wakefield.
Caroll is survived by her children Mike (Pennie) Day and Debra Wakefield. Her whole world revolved around her grandchildren Ryan (Katie) Wakefield, Marc (Samantha) Wakefield, Matt (Deja) Wakefield, Kevin (Katie) Day, and Kyle (Haley) Day. In recent years Caroll's great grandchildren, Hollyn Wakefield, Griffin Wakefield, Carsyn Wakefield, Brayden Wakefield, Mason Wakefield, Drew Day, Colette Day, Turner Day and Hattie Day were the light of her life.
Donations can be made to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Del Norte, 579 Highway 101 South, Crescent City, CA 95531 , or www.casadn.org, a volunteer program that advocates for children in foster care, or your favorite charity.