Carolyn Exley Dillon

March 27, 1941 - April 5, 2021

Carolyn Dillon passed away peacefully at home in the care of Wayne, her loving husband of 60 years. She is survived by their son Denis (Hilary) and daughter Kelley, grandchildren Patrick and Megan Dillon and Davis Barkocy. She was predeceased by her parents Craig and Jeanne Exley and her brother Jerry.

Born in Piedmont, the family moved to Napa where she graduated from Napa High. Shortly after graduation while on a trip to Europe, she met and fell in love with Wayne. They married a few years later, then moved to San Francisco to raise their family. Carolyn attended Lone Mountain College and San Francisco State University.

As a parishioner of Saint Agnes, she actively participated in the Parents Club and volunteered as a CCD teacher. Her career as a teacher included time at St. Agnes, St. Anne’s, and Mission Dolores before enjoying 27 years at Sheridan School. There she took charge of the school carnival, numerous fundraising events and created her infamous “math lab”. Caring deeply for her students, she continuously encouraged children to achieve their utmost potential. She developed close relationships with coworkers who became longtime friends.

Participating in peace marches and concerts in Golden Gate Park during the 1960s, she relished in a good party and could invariably be counted on to support an important cause, always living life to the fullest. Committed to her children, she supported their sports and interests and always showed up for family, friends, and anyone in need. For a span of 36 years, she and the family spent summers camping at Lake Pillsbury where she cherished waterskiing, sailing, and holding court in Camp #1 with her special friends, the “Ladies of the Lake”. She and Wayne loved travel, cruises, and vacations in Europe, which included time in France with close friends.

Carolyn passionately pursued her interests in crafts, sewing, card playing, cooking, and gardening. She and Wayne shared these pastimes and instilled those interests in their children and grandchildren. Recently, she served as treasurer for the Midtown Terrace Homeowners Association where she helped plan many neighborhood events. She was also proud of her role in the effort to create Senior Exercise Classes in Forest Hills Community Center. A bright light, Carolyn was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

We are grateful for all the support and prayers of her many friends. A celebration of life will be held this summer when it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her honor be made to the SF Marin Food Bank.