 #1: Make a list of things your beloved hated #2: Make a list of the things they loved #3: Meditate on one super power they had that only you know #4: Count and recount number of grand and great grandchildren #5: Have someone else read it for publication (Very important) With any luck you'll offer a glimpse into an enormous life: Caroline took orders from no one, fed cats on the kitchen counter and always had coffee brewing for visitors. She died December 13th at her eldest daughter’s home in River Forest, IL surrounded by family, under the gentle care of Hospice. Her Alcoholics Anonymous “bumper sticker wisdom” continues to guide her five children: This too shall pass, One day at a time and Let go & let God. She loved sunshine, convertibles and the sea; big dogs and tempestuous cats; AA meetings, family dinners, promptly served at 5:30; and dog walks with her husband Jim, at Otay Lakes. She hated sensible shoes and sushi; seatbelts and sunscreen and to be rushed. Other familiar advice includes: baking soda cures belly aches; leave car keys under the seat so you always know where they are; do a good turn without being caught; never leave the house without a fresh application of lipstick, and stick together kids, there’s safety in numbers. She hated Monty Python, Italian food and good two-shoes. She loved Clint Eastwood, chile relleno and tattooed forearms. She preferred WW II movies over comedy; spirituality over religion; orange marmalade over Dad’s homemade grape jam. If there was anything secret about Caroline it was this: she was a dolphin wearing a human costume. In water, she sliced the surface like a blade, garnering two silver medals in Senior Olympics. On land, she was green-fingered and loved the feel of dirt beneath her nails. She was a graceful dancer in the arms of her husband. She loved Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash. She never said no to a stray. In fact, never said no to an opportunity to help those more burdened in life. For decades she and her husband served the alcoholic community. They were also foster parents for four years in the 70s, hosting more than 400 teenagers in their family home. She is survived by four daughters, a son, eight grandkids and one granddaughter. The family is grateful knowing she is reunited with their dad, and imagine there’s a heaven with 12-step meetings and dogs weaving between legs and chairs. Oh and cake, lots of cake. Please donate to San Diego Humane Society or South Bay Pioneers in lieu of sending flowers.   
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