Carmeta S Perry

Born July 2, 1923, in San Francisco, to Elvezio Sacchi and Eva Maria Albonico, Carmeta was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jack, her daughter, Carmel, and her sons, Thomas and Oliver.

Carmeta leaves behind a large, beautiful, and loving family that includes sons John Perry (Carol) of Lincoln, Father Timothy Perry (Christina) of Fairfax, Virginia, Roc Perry (Sheri) of Newcastle, and daughters Nancey Holland, Cynthia Brostrom (Jeff) of Auburn, and Therese Willis (Jerry) of Newcastle. Carmeta also leaves 27 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

As a child, Carmeta was an accomplished pianist and performed with both San Francisco Children’s Choir Symphony. She spent her childhood summers and many weekends in Placer County with her parents, who owned a granite quarry in Rocklin. She fell in love with the area and knew she wanted to live there. Carmeta’s consuming passion was to share her love with many children. After receiving her teaching credentials at UCSF, she applied for teaching positions in Auburn. Refusing to be turned down on the telephone for an interview, Carmeta hopped on a bus and presented herself to the Superintendent of Auburn Union Elementary School District, Mr. E.V. Cain. His staff fell in love with her and hired her on the spot. With only one suitcase in hand, Carmeta was taken in by the Cain family, who took her into their own home as she began her career teaching kindergarten at Lincoln Way School.

Carmeta met Jack Perry at a Boy Scout meeting, where it was truly love at first sight. They began their lives together in 1948, giving birth to nine children. The Perrys lived in Auburn, and as the family grew, they moved to a larger home in Newcastle.

Carmeta was involved in every activity in which her children participated: Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, Little League, 4-H Club, school band, and multiple sports. She enjoyed camping, swimming, music, art, and, most of all, family. She was involved in many community activities and a dedicated patron of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

As her children became older and independent, Carmeta returned to school to earn her Special Education teaching credential, whereby she could share her passion of learning and unconditional love for all children at Newcastle Exceptional School for the Severely Handicapped, as well as Secret Ravine School.

Never was a harsh word muttered, as Carmeta only saw the good in everyone and everything, living her life by the Golden Rule. Her beauty shined inside and out. She was a nurturer, who always had a warm smile and a comforting embrace. Carmeta’s home was a safe warm haven for her children and all their friends. She was the second mom to so many. She gratefully and gracefully accepted her nickname “The Warden,” knowing she was loved and respected. Throughout her life, Carmeta maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of all she met, many of whom are, even now, enjoying fuller lives due to her constant nurturing love and faith. She helped shape countless lives during her 92 years.

Carmeta’s legacy lives on in everyone who knew her, and her compassion for others has been instilled in her loved ones. Our joys are greater, our love is deeper, and our lives are fuller because of her.

Carmeta made this world a more beautiful place, and she lives on in the hearts of many. Though her absence is heart wrenchingly painful, there is comfort in

knowing her life was lived to the fullest and she is indeed resting in eternal and everlasting peace.

Visitation is Wednesday, November 4, 4:00-8:00pm, at Chapel of the Hills. Rosary and Mass will be held on Thursday, November 5, 10:00am, St. Joseph’s Church in Auburn. Graveside service will be held on Friday, 10:00am, at Old Auburn Cemetery. All services are public and under the direction of Chapel of the Hills.