Carolyn Gertrude Di Piero August 19, 1948 - May 12, 2024

Modesto, California - Carolyn G. Di Piero of Modesto, CA. was born in Reedley, CA. on August 19, 1948, to Albert F. and Florence G. Simmons. Immediate family includes her husband, Livio A. Di Piero, son Jeffrey (Erin) Di Piero and grand-children, Elexis & Logan Di Piero of Lodi, CA.; Julia S. Di Piero of Fresno; twin brother, Paul W. Simmons and wife, Kathleen, and brother, Dennis E. Simmons and Sue Ardery (all of San Rafael, CA).

Carolyn grew up in many communities as her father was a career submariner in the US Navy, which involved the Simmons’ family living in many towns, on military bases, and attending innumerable schools. Napa, CA., became the family “hometown” in 1962. Carolyn graduated from Napa High School and Napa College. Subsequently, she graduated with with a B.A. in English from UC Davis and teaching credentials from Fresno State and Stanislaus State Colleges. In Fresno, Carolyn met Livio (Lee) and they married on January 8, 1972. Devoted to their children, Jeff and Julia, Lee & Carolyn cheered them on in their life adventures; and later treasured the times to meet, greet, and treat their grand-children, Elexis & Logan.

Carolyn’s career spanned approximately 42 years in education for Modesto City Schools as a teacher. Carolyn particularly enjoyed teaching reading and writing, and her popular past-time activity was reading. It was her experience as a teacher which steered her to study Spanish. After retiring, Carolyn volunteered with Literacy Quest. Carolyn supported Friends of the Library since the 1970’s and its efforts to keep libraries a vibrant part of every community. She felt libraries were a foundation of democracy, freedom, and success. Other on-going interests included square dancing, attending stage performances, playing with her pet border collie and coal-black shepherd; and researching pioneer roots in genealogy. Carolyn enjoyed many community activities and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

A service in will be held in Carolyn’s honor at 2:30 PM on June 14, 2024 at United Methodist Church, 850 16th St. Modesto, CA 95354.

It was Carolyn’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to Friends of the Modesto Library, https:// modestolibraryfriends.org/ support-us/donate/