Carol Anne Wright

Born March 21, 1941, in Elyria, Ohio, Carol was the daughter of Cecil Worcester and stepdaughter of Carolyn Worcester. She grew up in Ohio, attending school in Sullivan and Spencer, where she was affectionately known as “Cookie,” before being crowned Homecoming Queen and graduating as salutatorian from Black River (Spencer) High School.

In 1959, Carol married William “Bill” Wright at Sullivan Christian Church. Together they had three children, Dave, Mike, and Cheri. The family moved to Cañon City, Colorado, in 1975, where Carol began a professional career that would span banking, law, and real estate.

Carol lived her 85 years with kindness, faith, and an incredible ability to bring joy to the people around her. Those who knew Carol knew her unmistakable sunshine spirit — her own beautiful smile could light up a room, and her infectious laugh radiated a warmth and happiness that was uniquely hers.

But Carol was, above all, an artist. Creativity was not simply something she enjoyed; it was one of her great passions. She loved painting and experimenting with different mediums and was also a gifted writer, pianist, and vocalist. Music filled her life, whether she was singing in her church choir, directing high school musicals, listening and dancing to the oldies, or sitting at the piano playing blues and gospel tunes.

Carol delighted in beauty wherever she found it. She loved butterflies and rainbows, taking care of her beautiful roses and plentiful herb garden, trips to the Rocky Mountains, and searching antique shops for treasures. She was a wonderful cook, a coffee connoisseur, and happiest when she could share the things she loved with the people and beloved dogs who made her life complete.

She also knew how to make life fun. Carol made holidays magical, happily dressing up for Halloween and even donning an elf or Santa Claus outfit on Christmas morning. She made friends wherever she went, was adored by every animal she met, and carried a magnetic warmth that drew everyone naturally into her orbit. Her kindness was simply part of who she was.

Family was at the center of Carol’s world. She shared an especially close relationship with her daughter Cheri, a bond filled with love, pride, and companionship that remained a cornerstone throughout her life.

And of all the names Carol carried, one of the most treasured was simply “Gram.”

Carol shared an extraordinarily close bond with her granddaughter Stephanie (who insistently bestowed the loving moniker of “Gram” upon her at just 3 years old) and grandson-in-law Kyle. To Stephanie, she was far more than a grandmother. She was a source of unconditional love, comfort, laughter, wisdom, friendship, and a feeling of home. Carol taught Stephanie the importance of believing in true love, leading with kindness, and meeting the world with an open heart.

Kyle shared a special bond with Carol all his own. Though technically her grandson-in-law, that distinction meant very little to either of them. Carol loved Kyle as a grandson in every sense of the word, and he loved her simply as his Gram. Their relationship was filled with love, affection, and laughter.

Most importantly, Carol made sure everyone always knew, without question, just how much she loved them.

Carol was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Cecil and Carolyn Worcester, and her former husband and friend, William “Bill” Wright.

She is survived by her children, Dave, Mike, and Cheri Wright; her grandchildren, Heather Wright, Stephanie Shepherd Jenkins and her husband Kyle Jackson Jenkins, and Aimee Boyer; and her three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Thelma “Lea” White, Ernest “Ernie” Worcester, and Gale Cooley, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Carol’s wishes, her family will honor her life with a private gathering. It will be a time to share stories, laughter, memories, and all that made Carol so special to them.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Carol’s memory are invited to contribute to a memorial fund established by her family to create a butterfly and meditation garden in her name, a living tribute filled with the beauty and color she so loved. Donations may also be made in Carol’s memory to Old Dogs New Digs, helping senior dogs receive the care, comfort, and loving homes they deserve in their golden years — a cause especially fitting for someone whose own dogs held such a special place in her heart.

Carol’s legacy lives on in the people she loved, the art she created, the music she shared, the traditions she made magical, and the kindness she extended so freely. So many lives were made brighter simply because Carol was there.

She will be forever loved and deeply missed.