Carolyn Ann Mekeel

MEKEEL ~ Carolyn Ann Schmiedeke MeKeel passed away peacefully Thursday, May 21st, 2009 in Baldwin Park, California, at the age of 73, with her husband, Benny, and daughter, Shelby, by her side. She was born May 17th, 1936, to Harry & Gertrude Schmiedeke in St. Louis, Missouri. Carolyn and her elder sister, Mary, moved to California with her parents in 1939 when she was 3 years old. Residing in Burbank, California throughout her childhood, she attended Burbank Junior High School, graduating in 1954. She was very active in sports, and between 1951-1960, participated in many sports leagues throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including softball, basketball, and bowling tournaments and leagues. She received many trophies and recognition for league championships and girls’ sportsmanship. After graduating high school, Carolyn went on to attend Los Angeles City College where she received her Associate of Arts degree while also serving as the Vice President on the Executive Board in 1955 for the college’s Women’s Athletic Association. She then went on to attend California State University of Los Angeles where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. After graduating from the university in 1958, she began her 16 year career as a Physical Education teacher, teaching in Santa Fe Springs and for Luther Burbank High School for the Los Angeles School District. During 1966-1970, Carolyn also worked during the summers for the Montecito-Sequoia Camp for Girls as an archery instructor. While continuing to work as a teacher, in 1970 she married Benny MeKeel, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, in a church ceremony in Pasadena, California on September 11th. In 1974, they had their first child, Kenneth, and then in 1976, their second child, Shelby, was born. Carolyn retired from teaching in 1974 to stay at home with her children during their early years. In 1980 she began doing child care at home, helping to watch one of Kenneth’s classmates and younger brother after school. During her children’s earlier years, Carolyn was also very active in her children’s sports and extra-curricular activities. She assisted in score-keeping during her son’s Little League baseball games, and was also the Girl Scout Leader for several years for her daughter’s Girl Scout troops. Then in 1989, she started working in Sierra Madre for a family at their home. During the day, she helped to maintain the family’s household and take care of the family’s numerous pets. She worked for this family until 2000, and then again recently in 2007 until December 2008 when she became ill. Carolyn was a long time Pasadena resident, moving to the city in 1969, and continuing to reside in their family home on Del Rey Avenue since 1972 until her death on May 21st. On December 26th, 1988, Carolyn was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Since joining the church, Carolyn served many important callings. She was a faithful member for 21 years giving service to the Young Women sports program as the Softball and volleyball coach. She served on the Special Interest/Enrichment committee serving all the women at church for many years until last December. She was currently a visiting Teacher and also a Visiting Teacher supervisor. Carolyn was a cherished friend who was loved by all of those who knew her. She had a relentless strength and an encouraging, positive attitude which served as daily inspiration to the people in her life. The family would like to thank all of her friends and family for being there for her during these last few, difficult months. She loved her family and friends dearly. She had a big heart, and viewed her friends equally as family. Carolyn MeKeel is survived by her husband, Benny MeKeel; children, Kenneth MeKeel & Shelby MeKeel; grandson, Braden MeKeel; sister, Mary Schmiedeke-Minnick; sister-in-law, Betty Wurth; nieces, Cathy Minnick-Cude & Stella Williamson-Kowalczyk; nephew, Andrew Williamson; great-nephew, Brian Biddle; great-niece, Kelly Biddle; and great-great nieces, Amber & Skylee Biddle. Memorial and Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 29th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 614 West Foothill Blvd., Arcadia, CA 91006. ~Viewing will be held at 10am. ~ Funeral Service will be held at 11am. ~ Reception to follow service at the church. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society’s, Gifts in Memory, Mosaic of Hope, Carolyn MeKeel Memorial: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/carolyn_mekeel_memorial “An American Cancer Society memorial gift expresses the sense of loss when cancer takes the life of someone important to you. It is also a meaningful way to celebrate the memory of a loved one who cared about the American Cancer Society’s mission to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from this disease. When your memorial gift is received, the American Cancer Society will promptly send a personalized tribute card to the person or family you indicated, notifying them of your thoughtful donation. Your secure online donation will immediately support lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient service programs. All donations are tax-deductible.” American Cancer Society’s website: www.cancer.org The family also welcomes flowers in the memory of Carolyn, and asks that any arrangements be sent to Douglass & Zook Mortuary, 600 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016, the morning of the service. The mortuary will deliver and set up the arrangements for the service. All flowers will be donated to the church for their following Sunday’s service. In a recent journal entry Carolyn wrote February 2nd, 2009, she expressed her feelings about having cancer this way, "This is my journey to live and fight the war with Cancer. First - you need to figure out what you want to do - give up or fight. Everyone knows someday you are going to die and leave earth and be back with Heavenly Father. When the Doctor tells you that you have Cancer- first you feel like you have received a death sentence. Yes time limits are now to prepare for your next life. What to do first. Maybe you should just live your life everyday like you have and when it's time you are at last at peace. Everyone is different in their thinking about living and dying. I myself don't give up very easily about anything. I have a very strong faith in God. He will help me through this if he can and he will know when I need to leave earth. You have to think positive and don't pity yourself."