Born on July 25, 1930, in Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on August 1, 2013, in Roseville, California. Survived by her husband of 49 years, Robert T. Padgett, and her children, Anne E. Padgett (Stan VerNooy, deceased), Jennifer L. Swift, and David N. Padgett (Patricia “Trish” Padgett). Also survived by 6 grandchildren – Katherine and Hunter, children of David and Trish Padgett, and Sheena, Eric, Nathaniel and Kelly, children of Jennifer L. Swift and Terry Swift -- as well as four great-grandchildren – Micah, Emma, Noah and Leah. Preceded in death by her father, Roscoe L. Bibb, her mother, Isabelle L Bibb and her twin sister, Marilyn Ann Bibb.
After graduating with a degree in education from University of Louisville, and obtaining a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from Indiana University, Carolyn taught elementary school, first in Louisville, and then in the Mt. Diablo School District in Contra Costa County, California. Carolyn and her sister Marilyn, who was also a teacher, moved out to California in the late 1950s and, in 1963, Carolyn met Robert T. Padgett at the First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, California. Settling in Walnut Creek and then Concord, California, Carolyn raised three children and continued with teaching positions over the next 25 years. Education was very important to her and a consistent part of enthusiastic dinner table conversation.
She loved her family very much. She took on countless tasks and jobs in support of her children’s activities including Swim Team President, Tennis Team Coordinator, Brownie Leader, Indian Guide Leader and many more. She was creative and always interested in learning new things, taking on many projects and hobbies over the years, including sewing, needlework, quilting, macramé, knitting, furniture refinishing, upholstery, cabinet painting and many others. Enjoyment of music was part of her life, something she shared with her husband and instilled in her children. In earlier years, she was a lyric soprano and was a church soloist in addition to singing duets with her sister. She enjoyed trying new recipes, which often became family favorites. She loved to read, always having a book at hand.
With a love of gardening and plants, particularly roses, she and Robert made a lifetime joint project of planning, planting and maintaining the beautiful gardens in the backyards of their homes, including their homes in Concord and Roseville. Field trips to plant nurseries were a frequent part of their travels. Carolyn was a Rosarian and member of both the Contra Costa Rose Society and Sierra Foothills Rose Society. In 2004, when Carolyn and Robert moved from Concord to Roseville, they “downsized” from over 200 rose bushes to just over 150.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, August 17, at 3:00 p.m. in the Padgett Family Garden at 104 Cloverdale Court, Roseville, California 95661. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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