Carolyn J Falsone

We all know that we're going to die sometime, and I didn't particularly want to be there when it happened. But I was and the grim reaper swept me away on April 2, 2012 at age 63.

It was quite a day when Amy Frances and Robert O. Kron welcomed two tiny shriveled-up little girls at the Provo General Hospital on July 16, 1948. The second one was me, and I slid in backwards.

I graduated from Skyline High School, 1966, and received my BA in French and English in 1972 from the University of Utah and my Masters of Education in 1987.

Where did those thirty years go - teaching French at Bonneville Junior High School from 1972 - 2001? The icing on the cake was taking a herd of students each year to discover the wonders of Europe. A great way to end my teaching career came when I received the Foreign Language Teacher of the Year award for the State of Utah in 1999.

It was at the Green Street Bar where the lead singer for the Disgusting Brothers, Sam Falsone, caught my eye. He was taller than me, dark and handsome, and he would come to win my heart. I trapped Sam like a dirty rat and we were married in 1986.

Following a raucous romp on the bedroom floor, our beloved Nina joined our family in 1988. She's brought us nothing but joy, and my life has been so enriched by her tenacity and zest for life. She has taught me so much about what it's like to live with my disabilities and I am so very, very proud of her.

Before Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) robbed me of my dignity and independence, I enjoyed cooking and entertaining, running marathons, drawing and painting, tending my gardens, reading and learning new things. And there were always travel adventures to look forward to.

I am survived by my sweet husband Sam and my beautiful daughter, Nina. Other family members include my Dad, Kronie (Barbara); brother Rok Kron (Judy) Greeley, CO; sisters Kate Watson (Michael) Albuquerque, NM; and Liz Quealy (Pat) Salt Lake City, UT. I was preceded in death by my Mom, Frannie, Aunt Jean Phinney, Aunt Katherine Kron and Cousin Donald Kron. I've been blessed with a number of wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews that will miss me, no doubt.

I received special support through the PSP/CBD/MSA Support Group and Wellness Clinic at the U of U. Special thanks for the thoughtful care from Drs. Lauren Schrock and David Sprecher. You're the bomb.

I especially want to thank my many old friends, Geri, Mary, Beth and Cindy, who have made me feel very loved through this journey. And to those who traveled long distances to say their good-byes; it meant a lot to me. Special new friends have come into my life - Martha, Nancy and Suzanne, to help make things easier. Distant thoughts take me to Casey Chaney, my running coach who encouraged me. And then there's my family who hovered constantly, seeing to my every need (and some needs I didn't have).

I love flowers, but our house has looked like a funeral parlor for months. If the spirit moves you, donations to the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City or CUREPSP (www.give.psp.com) would be appreciated.

I have planned a service to be held at the First Unitarian Church, 569 South 1300 East, on April 14, 2012 at 3:00 pm. A Bon Voyage party will follow at our home at 6:00 pm.

Aurevior.