Obituaries
Carol Lynne Karuza
Carol Lynne Karuza was born to William and Martha Wolfe on July 2, 1959, in San Jose, California. After living in Sacramento and Thousand Oaks, the Wolfe family settled in Lakeport, California in 1971. With her keen sense of fashion and love for shopping, it was natural for Carol to take up the art of sewing
- leading to crafting beautifully tailored clothing for herself and friends
(along with designing her daughters’ matching outfits 30 years later). Carol was blessed with countless friends, as well as meeting her future husband and father of her children, Scott Karuza, during these years.
Carol attended SRJC and graduated in 1979 with an AA degree in business before beginning her career with Clement, Fitzpatrick & Kenworthy in 1981 as a legal secretary. During her 28 years with the Clement Firm, she also attended Sonoma State University where she earned her paralegal certificate. For the past 15 years, Carol worked with Merrill, Arnone & Jones, where her paralegal skills were well respected. Carol was well known in the legal community for her professionalism, dedication to any task, and her elegance under pressure.
In 1999, Carol and Scott Karuza, welcomed their first “miracle,” Jordan Camille Antoinette, and in 2000 welcomed their second “miracle,” Jillian Isabella Noël. Carol embraced the St. Rose Catholic community and was confirmed in her faith in 2006. Within the next 23 years, Carol dedicated her life to fiercely raising her daughters, being the best paralegal, and bringing her unique energy to every function she attended. She was able to make the greater events of life distinctly and uniquely memorable; birthday parties were a specialty, something enjoyed by friends, family, and dogs alike. Carol’s zest for life was inescapably infectious. She was known for her immense heart and her ability to handle any challenge with grace. Carol’s passion for exceptional shoes was legendary, and she lived
p g y by the motto, "show your class, not your sass.”
Carol, a cherished mother, stepmother, daughter, sister, friend, and Mimi, passed away with family and friends by her side on February 5th at the age of 63. She is survived by her daughters, Jordan and Jillian; stepchildren, Jenna, Jamie, Katie, Nick, and Emily; brother, Mark; and granddaughters, Jacqueline and Charlotte, as well as her many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her former husband, Scott Karuza, and her dear friend Lindsay Farris. She was loved, adored, and supported until the end by her beloved, Paul Bigelow. Carol will always be remembered for her poise, intelligence, elegance, and loyalty.
A Mass will be held for Carol at Star of the Valley Catholic Church, 545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa, CA at 11 a.m., March 11, 2023, with a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to St. Rose Catholic Church.