Carolyn Morse Nutt

On November 1, 2024 Carolyn M. Nutt passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a sudden illness. Just three weeks earlier, she celebrated her 80th birthday with family and close friends. Her first priority was always to her family, and she led a rich and full life. She was loved by all who knew her.

Born on October 8, 1944 in Hinsdale, IL, Carolyn moved to Hartsdale, NY as a young child, where she spent her early years. At the age of 20, she moved with her family to Tustin, CA, where she resided for most of her adult life.

Carolyn’s professional career was dedicated to helping young children with special needs. She received a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California in 1971; a certificate in special education from the University of California, Irvine in 1979; and a masters of education from National University in 2007. From 1972 to 1979 Carolyn worked as an occupational therapist for the Riverside School District, first at the Angel View School in Desert Hot Springs, and later at the Katherine Finchy School in Palm Springs. From 1980 to 2008 she was a special education teacher at Diamond Elementary School and Mitchell Child Development Center in the Santa Ana Unified School District.

Carolyn loved helping people, not only the many children she helped in her classroom during her long career, but also family, friends, and neighbors. She and her husband Stephen were loving caregivers to both her mother and mother-in-law. And as a proud Grandma, she never turned down an opportunity to babysit her grandsons.

Carolyn loved and cared for animals, instilling in those around her a respect for all creatures. Carolyn was always willing to help an animal in need. She supported many rescue efforts, including wolf rehabilitation which was especially dear to her. While she shared her home with many different kinds of animals throughout her life, she was a dedicated dog and cat owner, sharing her life and heart with all of them.

Carolyn leaves behind her husband Stephen, son Daniel (Jessica), grandsons Lincoln and Warren, as well as brother Daniel Morse (Emily), sisters Linda Crandall (Ralph) and Deborah Reinsch, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Carolyn was an extraordinary person who left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church of Orange, located at 185 S. Center St., Orange, CA 92866, on November 23, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Following the funeral, a graveside service will take place at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary, situated at 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.