Carolyn Louise Barendse

Carolyn Louise Barendse died peacefully on July 1, 2024 surrounded by beloved family and friends, including her husband and love of her life, Ron.

Carolyn and Ron met in 1956 at the Tip Top in her hometown of Forest Grove, Oregon where she was born July 23, 1938, to Gustav and Gertrude Moeller. Ron and Carolyn were married April 6, 1957 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church where she and her family were active members, and she expressed her incredible musical talent as the church organist, pianist, and choir member. She was baptized and confirmed in Lutheran theology; lived a life of profound faith and was dedicated to true Christian values.

Carolyn was also a fun, adventurous soul who took on many passions. As Ron journeyed around the state of Oregon: Joseph, Hubbard, Rockaway, Redmond and Gresham for his profession, she immersed herself in local groups and causes, easily making lifelong friends.

She was a gifted seamstress, often sewing entire wardrobes for her children, Ronda, Daniel, Jena and Lisa. She was always their biggest fan and through the years - their chef, chauffeur, employer and therapist. They especially loved to make her laugh, as did her beloved sons-in-law, Jose' and Joseph. She could be a little opinionated and her one liners were famously on point.

After Ron retired from education, she embarked on a new chapter in the Elkhorn Valley at Camp Cascade. Among the soaring trees, sacred stones and river, Carolyn emerged as a talented chef and entrepreneur. She was famous for her phenomenal cinnamon rolls. Her kitchen at Northfork Lodge was filled with a light cloud of flour, laughter, and spirited conversation. Her kitchen crews adored and loved her, as did so many of her guests and truly, anyone who came to know her. She had a beautiful smile; an incredible and distinct laugh and her eyes were always kind and compassionate.

At Camp Cascade, Carolyn was a pioneer of Oregon’s Elderhostel, now called Road Scholar. She hosted curious seniors with classes on creative writing, watercolor and oil painting, golf, calligraphy, and genetics. Participants raved about the food, the hospitality, and the magic Carolyn created for them. After a week at Elderhostel, they left with a little bit of Carolyn’s spirit and zest for life, not to mention a few extra pounds from her cinnamon rolls.

During her years at camp, Carolyn developed a gift for investing. She was a huge fan of CNBC, diligently studied Janus stock tips, and even recently purchased shares of Dutch Brothers because she loved their lattes. She promoted the importance of financial security, and you’d find Money Magazine displayed with Good Housekeeping or Redbook on the coffee table.

After Camp Cascade and returning to Gresham, Carolyn enjoyed her new freedom as a retiree. She continued her pursuit of the arts, embraced being a supportive mom, grandparent, world traveler, and culinary enthusiast. She rekindled her passion for gardening, turning the backyard of her Gresham home into a park-like setting. On her wood bench in an area she deemed ‘Sacred Space’ she’d reflect on her life while enjoying her pink roses, blue hydrangea and scarlet sweet William. She traveled to Mexico, Alaska, The Holy Land, the Mid-West and one of her favorites, the Tulip Festival in Washington.

She loved hitting the road with Ron in their Aljo travel trailer, visiting the Oregon Coast, Sunriver and California. She was hostess extraordinaire even in the confines of her tiny Aljo kitchen, presenting full Thanksgiving meals on a picnic table at Thousand Trails in Palm Springs. Often family and friends would join them on their travels, but hosting her grandchildren gave her the most happiness.

Family was her North Star, and she was an enthusiastic cheerleader no matter the pursuit. She supported her children’s and grandchildren’s every athletic and artistic ambition. Her desk was lovingly cluttered with detailed directions to auditoriums, fields, parks, theatres and gymnasiums. And her home is filled with photos and mementos - every holiday and birthday was a grand excuse for a cake and to celebrate. She treasured nothing more than family gatherings.

Even at the end of her life, Carolyn was filled with a joyful spirit. She smiled and waved, winked and grinned. Her eyes twinkled especially when there was a grandchild or great grandchild sighting.

In addition to her family, friends, and savior, she loved (not necessarily in this order) hazelnut lattes, A & W Root Beer, salted caramel ice cream (really, any ice cream), Cheetos and the color green. She was an avid Trailblazer fan, loved her pink flowering trees, and listened to Engelbert Humperdinck from her 20s to her 80s.

Her favorite restaurant was La Carreta, owned by her son-in-law Jose' and daughter Lisa. She loved their chili rellenos and often gifted Jose' and his staff homemade baked goods. She relished and loved playing the role of ‘Mom’ to so many – even her email address, cinnamonroll911 revealed her chosen purpose.

She was a huge fan of Dancing With the Stars, The Price is Right, Golden Girls, I Love Lucy and Full House. She’d often sing and dance to Grease and Mama Mia. One of our favorite memories was watching her sashay down her hallway, kicking up her feet before saying good night and I love you.

She developed a mutual love for her caregivers, Liz, Denisse, Millie and Esperanza, who became as close to her as family. She was also lovingly cared for by her granddaughter Amanda. We are grateful to her daughter Lisa who provided and directed an incredible team of care. Thanks to Lisa and help from family and friends, Mom truly lived out her final days just as she wished – in comfort and in her beautiful home.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ron; her loving children and sons in-law, Ronda Whaley (Joseph), Dan Barendse, Jena Garrick and Lisa Estrada (Jose'). Beloved grandchildren, Nathaniel (Jessica), Amanda, Nicholas, Benjamin (Donna), Jordan (Sarah), Jaron, Jessa, Andres (Margaret) and Sophia. And sweet great-grandchildren, Anna, Ryan, Tessa, Brennon, Emilia, Alivia, Calan, Ella, Declan, Jonathan, Louie, Mia and Clay.

She is also survived by her dear sisters and brother, Roxanne, Gerald and Jeannette and her adored sisters-in-law, Velma, Nancy and Nella.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Ascension Lutheran Church (1440 SE 182nd Avenue, Gresham, Oregon 97233) with a Celebration of Life immediately following in the church community room.

In the spirit of Carolyn’s hospitality, we plan to offer some of Carolyn’s favorite recipes but without her gift for measuring and mixing, we’ll hope for the best.

We know Carolyn loved all plants and flowers but in lieu of – please consider a donation in her honor to Road Scholar - www.roadscholar.org/donation