On the evening of May 22, 2022, our beloved “Grandma” Carolyn peacefully passed away at her home in Port Ludlow, with family by her side.
Carolyn was born on Dec. 3, 1943, in Compton, California, joining her brothers, Jack, Don (Woody), Myrl (Woody), and sister Marilyn, and later welcomed her youngest brother Gene.
On Nov. 5, 1971, she married the love of her life, Carl “Duke” Lopeman. Carl (Papa) brought with him four children of his own and they became a blended family of nine.
Carolyn will be remembered as a lovingly devoted wife and mother who gave every ounce of her youthful energy and enthusiasm to her family and everyone she met. She and Papa shared the same belief that family was not only those born to you; it is made up of all those that fill your home at any point in time with joy and laughter. She enjoyed spending countless hours playing board games, playdough, and being outdoors with the younger children; crossword puzzles and baking with the older ones and conversations over coffee and a game of cards or Mexican Train with the adults who stopped by. Whether you were grabbing a handful of peanut M&Ms from the pantry as you unexpectedly stopped by, or you were walking out with something homemade she insisted you take with you, you always knew you were welcome and your company was enjoyed.
An entire community of young adults have been influenced by this amazing woman they knew as Grandma Carolyn. Opening a daycare in 1983 in their home after the birth of their first grandchild, she and Papa kept it going until 2000 when they closed the doors to take time to travel the country. Upon returning, they couldn’t resist opening their home again as the children they took care of were starting to have children of their own. The two of them could be found at any given sporting, musical and academic event supporting the kids they loved so much. Her paper calendar hung on the cabinet with her handwritten schedule for everyone’s events and she strictly followed it, rain or shine.
From Halloween parties picking pumpkins from the patch with your family, to New Year’s Eve Bunco parties where all were invited, grandma’s infectious laughter always filled the air. One of her greatest joys was hosting gatherings that filled her space with family, friends, food and lots of memories.
Every now and then they did make time for themselves by hauling their fifth-wheel across the states to explore the countryside, visiting friends and family along the way. Occasionally, when they weren’t traveling, they could be found camping in their fifth-wheel at Oak Bay Park where the grandchildren inevitably wound up staying for days. Jars and boxes of agates and “treasures” were always sent home with them, along with many stories (and band-aids) from all their adventures along the rocky beach.
Grandma Carolyn will be deeply missed. Her contagious laughter and joyous spirit will live on in our memories and the unconditional love for all she met, will be carried in our hearts.
She is survived by her three children, Brenda (Bruce) Huntingford, Frank (Jami) Trafton and Catherine (Rich) Bratlee; two stepdaughters, Shelley (Steve) Larson and Tammy (Mike) LaPlante; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her brother Gene Woodward. Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl “Duke” Lopeman, stepdaughter Carla Perez and stepson Robert Lopeman.
We know how much you missed Papa since he’s been gone. We are grateful to know that you are finally reunited with the love of your life once again.
A celebration of life will be held later this year.
