Carolyn Sue Akiskalian

Carolyn Sue Akiskalian (Krone), age 85, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, in Encinitas, California. She was born on February 22, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1967 moved to Santa Barbara, California. Carolyn lived a life filled with warmth, creativity, and deep devotion to her family and friends.

During her youth she loved going on camping trips with her parents, waterskiing and fishing. She also enjoyed ice skating, playing basketball, horseback riding and playing with her dog Pal.

She graduated from Brentwood High School in St. Louis and later dedicated herself to raising her family as a homemaker from 1973 to 1994. Following the sudden passing of her beloved husband, John Akiskalian, in 1994, Carolyn embarked on a new chapter in her professional life. From 1995 until her retirement in 2010, she served as the office manager for the Girsh Family Trust, where she brought diligence and care to her work. After retiring she moved to Encinitas to be closer to family.

Carolyn was a devoted and loving mother to her daughters Karen Daves and Joanne Paynter. She shared a close bond with their husbands, Rob Daves and Charlie Paynter. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her two grandsons, Colin and Owen Paynter, who brought endless pride and happiness into her life.

A woman of many passions, Carolyn found joy in baking—especially when sharing the kitchen with her daughters—and had a flair for arts and crafts. She loved solving puzzles and playing board and card games with family and friends. Her appreciation for nature was evident in her love of animals; throughout her life she cared for horses, dogs, cats, parakeets, and fish. She also shared a special bond with Karen and Rob's dogs. She enjoyed taking Nicoya for walks to Blueberry Hill while living in Santa Barbara and later spending time with Kylo and Ediza. She cherished visits to zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and museums. She loved to travel with family by her side. Some of her favorite trips were to Florida, Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, Kauai, Mammoth Mountain, New York, The Virgin Islands and her latest adventure in 2012 was a 7-day safari in Tanzania followed by Zanzibar.

Carolyn had an eye for beauty and fun—she adored music, dancing and had a particular fondness for fancy cars. Holidays were especially meaningful to her with Fall being her favorite season. Halloween was her favorite holiday followed closely by Christmas. She delighted in decorating her home to reflect the spirit of each season.

Her home was always open and welcoming and filled with laughter—a place where many of her daughters’ friends felt like part of the family. Known for being outgoing and funny with an endless supply of stories, Carolyn had a gift for making others feel seen and valued. She was always ready with a listening ear or helping hand at any hour.

Carolyn’s faith was important to her throughout her life. She was a member of All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband John Akiskalian; mother Dorothy Krone; and father Clarence Krone.

Carolyn’s legacy lives on through the love she gave so freely and the memories she created with those fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association or World Wildlife Fund