Carolyn Dove Lemas

Carolyn Marie Lemas passed away on January 28, 2011 in Merced. She was born in Merced on April 9, 1941 to Ted and Adelaide Dove. After graduating from Merced High School, she went on to Fresno State University, graduating with high honors in 1963. Carolyn married Ensign James Joseph Wright from Merced on December 22, 1962. After graduation she joined her husband and they enjoyed Naval life. They had a daughter, Shareen Wright. Lt. James Wright was shot down over Hanoi, November 2, 1967 and was listed as Missing in Action. Carolyn then returned to Merced to be with her parents.

Five years later, Carolyn met and married another special man, Richard Lemas of Snelling, on September 9, 1972. They have enjoyed 38 years of love and marriage. She loved not only the man but also all of his sons, brothers, sisters, and the extended families.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Dick; her daughter, Shareen Wright and sons, Jeffrey Lemas (Anne), Richie Lemas, Todd Lemas (Britt), and Tom Lemas and her daughter-in-law, Carrie Mattmiller (Brian), her sister Linda Hoffman (John), niece Kathy Hoffman, cousins Roberta Fisser (Pyatt) and Robert Johnson.

Carolyn was fortunate to have her wonderful grandchildren nearby and to watch them grow up: Zach and Haley Lemas, Morgan and Logan Lemas, Nick and Kris Lemas, Curtis and Sadie McClure, Jordan Borchansky, Lilly Mattmiller, great-niece and nephew Kirstynn and Trevor Macias, and special friends Austin and Ethan Parker. She loved to attend their sports and extracurricular activities, spending time having family barbeque’s and swimming in the pool.

Carolyn enjoyed being active and found it difficult to remain idle. She was one of the founding members of the Merced Genealogical Society and was quite active in the St. Nicholas Anglican Church for many years, even having served as the treasurer for the church. She had worked for numerous years as the office manager at Ballico-Cressey School District.

Carolyn was many things to many people. She could never turn away someone that was in need of a helping hand. She took in many stray animals and people over the years and helped them gladly.

A memorial service and celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held on Friday, February 4, 2011at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Anglican Church, 1635 Shaffer Road, Atwater.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer society of a charity of your choice in her honor would be appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.