Caryl Louise McDowell

Caryl lived an incredibly rich and blessed life for 92 years. She passed peacefully at the end. Until that time, she zestfully enjoyed numerous adventures with family and friends. She was an active leader and participant in Bible study groups at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA and belonged to a book club for many of her later years. These activities reflect her deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ, as well as her intellectual curiosity. She loved reading varied stories with her book club friends and having in-depth discussions afterwards. Her enthusiasm for social interaction led to the development of many long-lasting, deep friendships. After retiring from her career as secretary for the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Cruz, Caryl served for many years as a docent volunteer at the Seacliff State Beach Visitor Center in Aptos, CA.

Caryl's early years were spent in Pacific Grove, CA, where she was born and raised. She was a member of Mayflower Church in that city as a child and young adults. The Monterey Bay area ultimately proved to have a profound attraction to Caryl, as she lived in proximity to that waterway for approximately 70 of her 92 years. "I feel like this is where I belong," is how she characterized living on the Monterey Bay.

Caryl continued a life of ministry in Salinas and Hanford, CA before settling in Santa Cruz in 1977. She had been drawn to Santa Cruz from childhood, when her family would drive there from Pacific Grove to visit her grandparents.

Caryl was the beloved mother of Michael, Jonathan, Stephen and Elisabeth. She shone bright to the very end with the sparking smile she brought to everyone. Known for her unconditional love, zest for life, perseverance and curiosity, Caryl will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing.

She is survived by sons, Michael and Stephen, daughter Elisabeth, daughters in law, Mari and Karen, grandchildren Mara, Christina, James, Eaen, 7 great grandchildren, as well as her sister, Myrna Bruscas, and several nieces and nephews.

It is suggested that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Caryl's memory to the Mount Hermon Camp and Conference Center in Felton, CA, where she camped as a child and later served as a camp counselor. It was one of her favorite places on earth. https://www.mounthermon.org/give/

She will be laid to rest alongside her parents, Kenneth and Marna Copsey, at El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove, CA.