Annette Arend Carman

Annette Carman, age 80, passed away far too soon and far too suddenly, after fighting a hard battle with pneumonia. Her beautiful heart gave out on February 9 at 9:24 PM. She is survived by a family whom she loved deeply, and who loved her deeply in return. Her husband, Paul Carman, from Henderson, NV, describes her as his true soulmate and the love of his life. Her passing leaves a giant void in his life and a hole in his heart that may never heal.

Annette’s pride and joy were her children and grandchildren: Damon Pratt of North Chili, NY (her biological son) has forged a successful life as a business executive in the fuel industry; Kathleen Carman of Henderson, NV (her stepdaughter) is a teacher and key employee for a large casino operator in Las Vegas; Michael Carman and his wife, Corinne Price, also from Henderson, NV (her stepson and daughter-in-law) are successful attorneys with their own law firm.

Anyone who knew Annette heard her brag about her children, but most of the bragging focused on her grandkids! She was so proud of her granddaughter, Alexis Carman, who recently graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with Honors and is now pursuing a PsyD degree at the Chicago School in Anaheim, CA. Annette was planning to see Alexis soon, but that joy has been taken away from both of them. Annette also adored her grandsons, Nathaniel Carman and Logan Price, both high school seniors and heading to college in the Fall. From the time they were young, she loved helping the boys with their homework, reading with them, playing games with them, as well as watching their hockey games. Annette was so looking forward to watching them go forward to the next chapters of their lives.

Annette was born in Hollywood, CA, and moved to Rochester, NY at a young age, living in the Nellis Park area. She graduated from West High School, where she established many long-standing friendships and stayed in touch with many of her classmates.

During high school, and for many years after, Annette did television and print modeling in the Western NY area. She also spent many years working at Eastman Kodak as an administrative assistant to senior management. After marrying Paul and blending their families together, Annette moved to part-time employment to be with the children after school and whenever she was needed – including volunteering in the school nurses office.

As the children grew up, Annette returned to the modeling industry and began her dream job - running the model and talent agency that she had previously worked for. This brought her in contact with many sports figures, including Jim Kelly from the Buffalo Bills, and her favorite, Dan Marino from the Miami Dolphins. Annette’s hard work built the company into the largest model and talent agency in Western NY. During this time, she was also a runner-up in the Mrs. New York State Pageant.

In 1996, Annette followed husband Paul to Boulder, CO, where she enrolled in the University of Colorado-Boulder to start the pursuit of a communications degree. She loved learning and was very popular with her younger classmates who wanted her wisdom in their study groups. Annette also assisted with the trade association that Paul was running throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, helping to set up Board Meetings, spousal events, and dinners for the Board and staff. Paul and Annette traveled together to the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Dubai, Australia, Thailand, Japan, and other destinations around the world.

Annette and Paul relocated to Nevada in 2003 upon learning that they were soon to be grandparents, with Annette refusing to be a part-time grandma and dedicating herself to being the best “Mimi” that she could be. Annette immediately formed a deep bond with Alexis and was thrilled to add even more love to her heart when Nathaniel was born. When Corinne and Logan joined the family, her heart grew even bigger and wrapped around everyone. Annette received great joy in watching all her grandchildren grow from small children to the caring adults they are today.

As the kids grew older, relatives back east were having health issues. Again, showing her caring nature, Annette insisted upon moving east to assist and support as needed. Paul and Annette built her “dream home” in Saratoga Springs, NY, but returned frequently to Henderson, NV for long visits. Following the passing of her brother, sister, two brothers-in-law and a cousin, Annette stated that “we need to move back with the kids,” and she and Paul relocated back to Henderson, NV where she continued to love life up until her passing.

Per her wishes, we will celebrate Annette with two Celebrations of Life, the first in Henderson NV on the weekend of February 27th (details to be determined) and the second in the Rochester NY area at Casa Largo Vinyards, on March 14, from 12 noon to 3pm. Donations in lieu of flowers will be gathered to honor Annette’s memory and support the causes held most dear to her heart. If you have pictures or stories of Annette to share, would like to make a donation, or would like specific information regarding the Celebrations, please e-mail [email protected].