Aldean Mae Carroll

Aldean was born on March 8, 1938, in Shelton, Washington, to Roy and Eythel Newman. She and her family moved to San Diego and lived in Ocean Beach where she attended OB Elementary, Dana Jr. High, and Point Loma High School. Aldean was active socially in high school and enjoyed her time as a majorette in the marching band. She married her high school sweetheart, John, and moved for his employment, first to Orange County, where they started a family, and then to the Los Angeles area. She was a stay-at-home mom who was active in her children’s lives, serving as den mother for her sons’ Cub Scout troop and cheering for her boys at their baseball and football games.

After divorcing and moving back to San Diego in 1977, she rejoined the workforce and settled into a home in La Mesa, where she raised her daughter. She soon met her second husband, Frank, with whom she enjoyed camping, waterskiing, and San Diego Aztec sports. They were loyal season ticketholders to Aztec football games for many seasons.

Aldean was a gifted musician blessed with perfect pitch. She picked up her first instrument, a violin, at the age of five. She learned to play the mandolin when she was seven, and she soon realized she could play by ear, teaching herself the guitar, piano, banjo, and accordion. She developed the ability to hear a song, figure out the key, and play it on whatever instrument she picked up. The guitar was by far her favorite instrument, and she enjoyed performing at many gatherings.

In addition to playing music, she loved to sing. She joined the gospel choir at Christ the King Catholic Church in the late 1990s and spent the next 20 years singing praise and worship music for the congregation.

As her children grew and began their families she embraced a new role–grandma. She adored her grandchildren and spent time with them cooking, baking, playing cards, crafting, and bowling. Her children and grandchildren continue to enjoy many of the activities she introduced to them, and she lives on in their individual expressions of humor and creativity.

She was dependable and loyal to friends and family, always willing to help a friend or an animal in need. Whether it was a ride to church, a move across town, or a trip to the store, Aldean could always be counted on to help. She loved small dogs and adopted several over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frank, and her sisters Helen, and Marlene. She leaves behind her children David (Diane), Brian (Roxana), and Jennifer (Justin) and grandchildren Sarah, Joe, Liz, Becky, Rachel, Franky, Brianna, Zoe, and Maya.

Her family will remember her contagious laugh, quick wit, her willingness to serve, and “can do” attitude. She instilled in each of us an appreciation of music, a love of animals, humor, and creativity. She taught us that no task was insurmountable – only the will was needed, and the way would follow. Her friends will remember her for her wit, loyalty, and dedication to lifelong friendships. Friends and family alike will miss her deeply, a testament to her solid character and spirit.