Carola Dilorenzo

March 31, 1960 – January 13, 2024

A Gifted Healer and Artistic Soul

Carola DiLorenzo, dear sister, aunt, friend and healer to many; left us for the spiritual world on January 13, 2024. Carola had been admitted to Salem Hospital, (Salem, Oregon) on December 25, 2023, due to a quick progression of an illness she had been hoping to overcome. The wonderful end of life care Carola received during her hospitalization, was remarkable and it was greatly appreciated. During her last days, Carola was surrounded by loving family, dear friends and her beloved four-legged companion, Pippa.

Carola spent four years in the beautiful Red Rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona before returning to Portland, Oregon in the Autumm of 2022. Carola stepped back into her profession of teaching massage therapy and also to be closer to friends and clients near and dear to her heart.

Carola was a licensed Massage Therapist who also dedicated her life to helping others heal. She cared deeply about her clients and also for the well-being of others. Carola cared so much that she never stopped learning new modalities and techniques that could help her clients. She was proficient in nutritional counseling, massage therapy, cranial-sacral therapy, Bowen therapy and sound healing. When a healing modality intrigued Carola, like a dedicated researcher; she would work, study and practice the method on herself and others; seeking maximum understanding of its use and efficiency. These qualities made Carola the incredible master body worker, that she became.

During her time spent in Portland, Oregon, (some twenty years or so), Carola discovered her love of dance. She took classes over the years and became a beautiful dancer. Carola’s favorite styles of dance were, the Waltz, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing and Night Club Two Step. She loved everything about dancing and appreciated those with whom she was able to kick up her heels or glide across the floor. Carola loved to laugh and have a great time while dancing.

One of Carola’s personal signatures was her use of color. Her clothing, jewelry, home furnishings, even her vibrant red hair; all beautiful displays of color done with perfect flair. She even had several different Christmas Tree decoration color themes she could choose from, year to year.

Carola’s artistry also reached into the world of flowers. She was a Master Floral Designer, as well as a Master Gardener. Carola was a professional Floral Designer for a number of years and enjoyed making things beautiful. She loved tending and nurturing plants and often said, “flowers are my first love.”

Carola was keen on wonderful and nutritious garden-fresh foods. She appreciated the healthy food culture of the Portland restaurant scene and farmers markets. She loved to cook and would seek out new and interesting recipes to bring to the pot luck gatherings she attended with friends. Carola’s lovely food presentations and the delicious tastes, did not disappoint!

Hiking was one of Carola’s favorite things to do. Whether it be in the Red Rocks of Sedona, with Javelina sightings; or along the Oregon coast with its precious views of whales breaching, or at the Columbia Gorge with magnificent eagles soaring. The natural world delighted Carola and she would take the most gorgeous photographs to share with her family and friends, both near and far.

Carola was an adoring caretaker to many four-legged rescue animals throughout her life. Carola’s most recent pets included her constant companion, Pippa, an Italian rat terrier; Zuli, a cuddly white ragdoll cat with one blue eye and one green eye. She spared no expense when it came to the care of her fur babies. With Zuli’s habit of eating anything he could find made of silk; things could get quite costly.

One thing became very clear to all of us who were supporting Carola on her healing journey over the last two years; and that was just how many people (friends, clients, colleagues and family), truly cared about Carola’s well-being. People from throughout Carola’s life, came forward to support her in their own special ways; preparing nourishing foods, sending heartfelt cards, spiritual thoughts, gifts, flowers, listening with love, sharing resource information, joyfully celebrating birthdays and holidays together, offering transportation, going to medical appointments, helping her pack, move and organize, giving her a loving home when she could no longer live on her own; financially assist her when she could no longer work; and adopting her sweet dog, Pippa, when Carola finally had to leave her behind.

Sensitive, compassionate and caring, Carola has been a lovely light in our lives and will be greatly missed by so many. We know that wherever she is in the great beyond, she is making things more beautiful by just being there.

Carola was preceded in death by her parents, Pasquale and Anna DiLorenzo, her brother, Richard Bray and Zuli, her beloved cat. Carola is survived by her siblings; Patricia “Pat” DiLorenzo, Teresa “Tina” DiLorenzo, Edward “Ed” DiLorenzo, Debra “Deb” (DiLorenzo) Holman (Paul) and Joseph “Joe” DiLorenzo and many nieces and nephews.

At the end of her life, Carola knew she was loved. There is no better gift than this.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.