Carole Strahan Wunderly

In life she was a devoted daughter, a caring sister, a faithful and loving wife, awesome mother, fabulous grandmother, and on the day of her death, a great-grandmother. At her passing, by the grace of God, she is at rest in His arms.

In my Father's house are many rooms … and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2-3

Carole (Whaley Strahan) was born in Montclair NJ on June 30, 1934. She was the daughter of Blanche Lehnhardt Strahan (1906-1997) and George Whaley Strahan (1905–1988). Carole had an older sister “Kay” (Katherine Walker 1932 - 1977), She and her family moved to San Marino CA in 1948 when she was 14 years old. She attended South Pasadena High School (1952) , and then UCLA (BS Phys Ed. 1956). Carole was a member and chapter officer of the Delta Gamma sorority at UCLA, where she met several life-long “DG” friends.

Carole taught Physical Education for two years after graduation, and then married "Bud" (Wilbur Glenn) Wunderly II on October 19, 1957. Carole and Bud met on a blind date on a Friday the 13th.

Carole and Bud lived in Bakersfield CA, Pasadena CA, and then Arcadia CA.

Carole was a home-maker, crafter, seamstress, and gardener. She was an organizer of events, and a hostess to countless get-togethers.

As a mother, Carole was always present, always available, and always involved. She was ready to listen, ready to help, always an encourager and supporter. Carole and Bud took their family on many automobile-tour vacations; a yearly tradition while the kids were young. And every summer they spent a few weeks with Grandma Blanche (“GG”) at her cottage by the sea.

She has three children who survive her: Eric Arens Wunderly (born 1959), Glenn Strahan Wunderly (born 1961), and Karen Lehnhardt Morris (born 1965).

Carole and Bud became active at Sierra Madre Congregational Church soon after Eric was born. There, they both came to know Jesus as their personal savior under the mentorship of Pastor (and friend) Richard Anderson and his wife Dottie. Carole served at SMCC for over 30 years in various roles. She was a Sunday School Coordinator, Women's Bible Study Leader, and Rummage Sale team leader, among many other things.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Prov 31:25-29

In 1995 Carole, Bud, and Blanche moved to Capistrano Beach CA. They christened a new house on Beach Rd, built on the same property that George and Blanche had purchased in 1949.

Blanche passed in 1997, and Bud in 1998, leaving Carole alone in a large house on the beautiful south Orange County coast. Carole soon started inviting pastors, missionaries, and of course her friends and family to come and stay with her. She kept up this ministry for many years and blessed many individuals, couples, and groups with her generosity and hospitality. While living at Capo, Carole attended Pacific Coast Church, where she also served as a "Mothers of Preschoolers" leader.

There is more… Carole traveled domestically and abroad. She took cruises. She kept up with high school friends, college friends, church friends, and many more. She visited her children and selflessly helped them out in times of need, and she continued to pull us all together for yearly family vacations. She was an aunt, she was a cousin, she was a neighbor. She was a good friend to many.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Carole lived on Beach Rd for 31 years. She led the resident’s association for many years and knew everyone’s name. In her final years her strength faded, and her memory became foggy, but her positive attitude and her loving, outgoing nature never failed. At the age of 91 she passed away at home, in peace, with her family around her.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

We believe that Carole would suggest that donations in her memory be made to Reasons To Believe ministries.

So many people helped us to make Carole's last days comfortable and peaceful. Special thanks to Grace, Rosa, Maria, Olena, and Ruth.