Carol Jean Gerity

Born October 19, 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she moved to Jacksonville, Oregon, at the age of eight and later graduated from Jacksonville High School.

Carol's early career was marked by her entrepreneurial spirit, running a store with her sister during the war years. She married William Robinson Hyde in 1946, with whom she was caretaker of Senator Hart’s ranch in Medford before their divorce in 1959.

Carol then embraced city life in Portland, working as an administrative assistant at Portland State University, where she remained for 15 years. It was there in the library that she met her second husband, Tom Gerity, marrying him in 1979 and gaining two stepdaughters, Kate and Collie. Together, they enjoyed their sanctuary cabin at Rock Creek Reservoir. Carol later worked for the U.S. Forestry Service on Mt. Hood, retiring in the late 1980s.

A lifelong member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Carol was deeply rooted in her faith and community. She was renowned for her kindness and generosity, particularly in her roles as a grandmother and great-grandmother, which she often cited as the favorite times of her life. Carol's home was always welcoming, known for her exceptional cooking and baking skills, especially her pies that ranged from lemon meringue to apple to berry, always with a pie crust made from scratch.

Carol's love for the outdoors was evident through her hobbies, which included bird watching, hiking, and maintaining the tradition of Sunday dinners with her family. In her later years, Carol was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Pam and grandchildren, Julie and Jill.

She is survived by her children, Pam Emra, Hank Hyde, and David Hyde; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Carol was preceded in death by her son, Bill Hyde; brother, Jerry Pawlowski; and sister, Betty McGinty.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date to honor Carol's life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SnowCap Community Services or Zarepath Kitchen and Pantry in Gresham, Oregon, continuing Carol's legacy of kindness and community support.