Carol Ann Perkins

A true, warm and steady light comforted and embraced each of us fortunate to share a world in Carol’s presence. She devoted her time to the importance of others and left us better for it. She saw us for the best we are and the best we wanted to be. She was conscientious of the underprivileged, troubled and forsaken, and endeavored to help them with their dreams or moment of need. When her heart was hurting, she knew their heart must be hurting too. She made us feel the way we wanted to be seen by others. She pushed for a better tomorrow and found grace and empathy to make the world a better place for family, friends or anyone who had lost their way.

Carol is survived by her husband, Richard; beloved children, Yariel, Dane and Sonnet; mother, Pearl; siblings, Lee, Laura, Georgette, Ron, Annette, Michael and their families.

Carol first graced us with her arrival on April 6, 1965. She spent much of her childhood in the town of Ridgecrest, California, exploring the desert amongst family and friends where she procured her appetite for a warm climate. After high school she graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a B.S. in Child Development and pursued her first love of teaching in the public schools. She completed her Master’s degree in Education and her National Board Certificate while dedicating 34 years of teaching countless elementary students to read. For Carol, teaching was personal. She insisted every student graduate her class with the ability to read. Over the years she received numerous grants and awards and was selected Orange County Teacher of the Year. Outside her classroom, Carol ran marathons, snowboarded and cheered her children to the end. She disliked horror films, and her quiet time consisted of reading, crocheting and piecing together puzzles and Legos.

Carol tasked herself with a full slate of dedicating care for her husband and children. She played a unique role in holding us all together and losing her is like losing the mortar in a brick house. At times she knew more about her family than they knew about themselves. She prioritized their needs over hers, overextending her wealth and health. It was her ultimate goal to build a better life for her family over hers. She was the youngest of eight children, and valued her mother and siblings with the greatest compassion and loved family gatherings. Carol maintained close relationships with many friends over decades and cherished their time together. They supported her faithfully and were generous to support her in the classroom. All were welcome in her home, and all were better to have known her. Some of Carol’s dreams were not fulfilled but she was never regretful or bitter for anything or anyone who fell short. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. She passed on March 13, 2026.

All are welcome to attend Carol’s celebration of life at noon on June 20 at the Old Ranch Country Club, 3901 Lampson Avenue, Seal Beach, CA 90740.