Carolyn Schaer

SAN DIEGO —

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Carolyn Schaer of Great Neck, NY, Woodcliff Lake, NJ and San Diego, CA. She succumbed after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by family, minutes before her 76th birthday.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Mindie and Murray Wallach and twin sister, Ellen Emmett. She is survived by her beloved husband Herb, her brother Jason Wallach, and her children Doug Schaer (Karin), Josh Schaer (Anora) and four grandchildren Jordyn, Braden, Myla and Major who all loved and adored her.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Carolyn attended Great Neck South High School and then went on to earn a degree in Education from Boston University and a master’s degree in Special Education from Columbia University. Immediately upon

November 18, 1946 - November 17, 2022 graduating Columbia, she was hired by BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services), a new school located in Long Island, that was dedicated to teaching children with learning disabilities. She quickly developed a reputation as a true professional and received numerous requests from parents to work with their children. Her success stories were many. Helping kids was her calling, and she had the satisfaction of knowing she made an impact.

She was only 21 when

she married her husband Herb, beginning an unimaginable love affair that lasted 56 years. When their sons moved to Los Angeles in the mid 1990s, they followed and retired to San Diego shortly after. Along the way, she built a beautiful life with her husband, their sons and eventually their spouses and grandchildren, and a truly wonderful group of lifelong friends on both coasts. She and Herb also became avid travelers visiting 46 countries, making even more friends throughout their travels. She cherished her family and was loved in return.

Besides being the glue to her family, Carolyn was also an emotionally and physically strong, modern woman with many facets to her life. She had endless creativity, compassion, and the unique ability to connect with people of all backgrounds. She became very active in Seacrest Village Retirement Communities,

Casa de Amparo and the Alzheimer’s Association.

She was equally passionate about her gardens, pouring her nurturing and loving nature as well as her creativity into the spectacular landscapes she designed and engineered along with her architectural landscaper. Her gardens were highlighted in many publications across Southern California and were later featured in charitable events sponsored by the Horticultural Society, promoting cactus, succulents and water conservation. Her gardens gave her great happiness and peace.

Gifts in Carolyn’s memory can be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, or the Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.

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