Carolyn Watts McCoid

Jan. 15, 1932- Jan. 12, 2020 Resident of San Jose

Carolyn Watts McCoid passed away on January 12, 2020 just shy of her 88th birthday. Carolyn had been a resident of San Jose since 1960. She touched many lives with her optimism and interest in people.

Carolyn was born in Berkeley, California to Paul and Polly Watts. Along with her much beloved sister, Lee, she was raised in Piedmont. She graduated from Northwestern University in June 1953 with a degree in Education and married Dean McCoid the week following her graduation. Carolyn and Dean moved to Queens, New York after their marriage and Carolyn taught the 4th grade on Long Island. She commuted to work each day on the train until she became pregnant with their first child, Steve, in 1954. She remembered the experience of teaching 4th graders fondly. As was expected at the time, Carolyn stayed home to raise their family after Steve’s birth. Carolyn and Dean moved to New Jersey in 1955. Their second child, Pam, was born in 1956. The family moved back to California in 1957 and lived for a short time in Oakland before Dean’s job took them to San Jose. They moved to their home in the east foothills in 1960 where they welcomed their 3rd child, Elizabeth, in 1964. They remained in their home until their respective deaths.

Carolyn worked as a substitute teacher as she raised her children. She was an active community volunteer with special involvement with the Junior League of San Jose. She went back to full time work at the age of 40 becoming a loan officer with Bank of America. She ended her 25 year career with the bank as a manager and assistant vice president. After her retirement, Carolyn returned to her volunteer role with positions on the Farrington House board and the local Library board, among others.

Throughout her life, Carolyn maintained a love of reading, travel and friends. She was ready at any time to pack her bag to venture to new places. She played bridge with friends, took long walks until she wasn’t able, and always had time for her family and friends. It is not possible to express how much her presence will be missed in our lives. To be with Carolyn was to have her full attention and to know she liked you without reservation.

She was preceded in death by Dean, her husband of 63 years. Carolyn is survived by her sister Lee Dorsey of Rolling Hills, CA and her children Steve (Ann) McCoid of San Jose, Pam (David) Leonard of Portland, Oregon and Liz (Jim Smith) Heffernan of Issaquah, Washington. Carolyn has 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Our family gives special thanks to Manusina Koloamatangi who lovingly cared for Carolyn in the last months of her life. She gave comfort to us all and we are grateful.

A service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in San Jose February 21st at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Farrington Historical Foundation P.O. Box 6598 San Jose, CA 95150