Obituaries

Carolyn Jewel Washer

Carolyn Jewel Washer died peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2020 in Dallas, Texas.

Born October 24, 1933 in Manhattan, her parents, Isidor (“Irving”) and Anna Dimand named her Carolyn Jewel Dimand, a perfectly beautiful name that matched her sparkling personality and set the stage for her lifelong passion of wearing and selling exquisite fine jewelry. The family moved to Memphis when she was six months old and it became her beloved home for 74 years until she moved to Plano, Texas in 2008 to be closer to her daughter’s family.

Carolyn grew up living behind her parents’ grocery store, I. Dimand Hardware & Variety in Memphis. At an early age, she gained an acute awareness of life and business values that would influence her future years: humility, empathy, charitable giving, customer service, retail sales and the value of a dollar.

Carolyn graduated from Central High School in 1951, where she was the first female to take Mechanical Drawing. She attended the University of Texas at Austin to study Architecture. Ultimately missing her sweetheart, Jack Washer, she returned to Memphis to marry him in 1954.

She worked for the Advertising Checking Bureau (ACB) verifying ad placements and for Mrs. Ed (“Ruth”) Simmons Realty as a successful real estate agent. Later, Carolyn joined Macy’s (formerly Goldsmith’s) as a high-performing fine jewelry salesperson. Additionally, she managed residential real estate across the Bluff City.

She was known as a “go-getter” for her leadership, business acumen, creativity and community volunteerism supporting charitable causes and organizations like: National Council of Jewish Women, B’nai B’rith Women Mitzvah Chapter, Hadassah Memphis, Temple Israel Mitzvah Day Committee, Plough Towers, Memphis Area Association of REALTORS and Women’s Council of REALTORS. Mrs. Washer was a member of Baron Hirsch Synagogue and Temple Israel.

In 2008, Carolyn moved to The Legacy Willow Bend senior living community in Plano, Texas, where she was known for her southern charm, impeccable fashion, volunteerism and love of Memphis BBQ.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Jack Washer in 1995, who she was married to for 41 years. Carolyn is survived by her children, Stanley Washer of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and Michelle Malish (Bobby) of Coppell, Texas; two grandchildren, Ryan Seth Washer and Jacqueline Malish both of Memphis. The family is forever grateful to two personal caregivers, Tita and Anne, who were compassionate, respectful and faithful to Mrs. Washer.

Private services were held Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Baron Hirsch Cemetery. Canale Funeral Directors had charge.

The family requests that memorials be sent to: Plough Towers, Baron Hirsch Congregation or Temple Israel.