Obituary of Carolyn Vaaler

Carolyn Vaaler died of a massive stroke at the River Bend Hospital on March 24, 2013 at the age of 74. She was born on July 27, 1938 in Thompson Falls, Montana, the daughter of Adrian W. and Pauline R. Vaaler. They moved to Eugene in 1940 where Carolyn received her education, graduating from South Eugene High School in 1956. She attended the University of Oregon for 3 years where she was a music major in violin performance. She moved to New York City in 1966 where she worked for 18 years as a medical records clerk for the Amalgamated Garment Workers Union. She returned to Eugene, 1984 to help her parents in their aging years. Carolyn was a gentle soul who loved her family and spent her vacations every summer traveling to Eugene from New York via train to be with them. In the early 1960’s she joined a Friends Service Committee expedition that climbed to the top of Long’s Peak in Colorado. Family marathon bridge sessions made Carolyn and excellent competitor. Many happy hours were spent in her garden where she grew corn, zucchini, blueberries, etc. And she loved flowers such as poinsettia, gladiolas, roses and a magnolia tulip tree which grew around the home. Long drives on family trips around the Oregon countryside, to the beach and the mountains were special pleasures. Her faithful attendance at concerts completed a musical dimension in her life. She is survived by her sister, Miriam Schafler and her brother, Adrian Vaaler, both of whom she lived with in the family home. Her brother, John Vaaler, lives with his wife, Barbara, in Portland, Oregon. She has many cousins around the country, and was known for her remarkable memory and keep of the family history. She had many hobbies which kept her busy: embroidery, tatting, knitting, quilt making, sculpting, various art projects, and reading. She took care of her long time pet, Muffy, a Lhasa Apso terrier mix, who preceded her death last October. She became an excellent cook which her family celebrated as “the best restaurant in town.” She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Eugene. A memorial service will be held in the chapel of the First Congregational Church on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 11:00am, 1050 East 23rd Ave., Eugene, OR 97405. In remembrance, donations may be sent to the Greenhill Humane society.