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.jpg) Carol Earnshaw Ersbak
November 2, 1948 - June 15, 2023
A long-time and well-known, well-loved resident of South Pasadena, Carol had been fulfilling her dream of living in Hawaii for the past several years; after a long illness, she passed away in Honolulu.
Survived by her daughters, Jenny Ersbak '02 and Katie Ersbak '02; two granddaughters (and one on the way); and her siblings, brother, Spencer 'Ernie' Earnshaw '61 and sister, Jane Earnshaw '73; and many, many friends. Carol will be missed.
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In 2019 Carol was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Primary Progressive Aphasia, a disease that affects your cognititive and verbal abilities. Despite her diagnosis, she faced each challenge with a smile, writing little notes to herself with words she was starting to forget or didn't have the ability to say anymore.
She described herself as "wild and crazy Carol." Loving, thoughtful and ever so charismatic. To her daughters and those who knew her best, she was a strong, fearless, independent, funny, and amazing woman. She left an impression on everyone she met and remained young at heart until the very end.
Carol always knew how to have fun, be goofy and dance like no one was watching. She strove to be a better version of herself each day and loved and cherished her friends and family. Being around others is what lit her up. She found her tribe in anyone she encountered, especially fellow Dodger fans.
While we don't know where we go when we die, her daughters would like to believe she is no longer handicapped by the disease that took away her ability to communicate, that she's dancing her heart out to a Bruce Springsteen song, or watching a Dodger game with Vin Scully.
Carol is survived by her daughters, Katie and Jenny, and her two (soon to be three) granddaughters. Whether you knew her as Carol, Kalola, Aunty Cool, or Tutu, she will continue to live on in our hearts and minds as one of the most genuine and fun-loving people we may ever know.
She once told her daughter Katie, "I could not have my good life without you and Jenny." Well mama, we could not have our good life without YOU. We love and miss you more than tongue can tell.
Jenny Ersbak '02 and Katie Ersbak '02, daughters
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James L Ward III (1966)
To say Carol will be missed is a huge understatement for me. Carol and my love story goes back to the summer of 1965 when we were in training to be part of the cheerleading squad for our upcoming senior year. Carol was the Head Song Girl, and l was one of the three guy cheerleaders. We had so much fun together. While my senior year interests were centered on being with Carol, doing my best at cheerleading, cars and surfing, Carol was devoted to leading the Song Girls, her studies, the school newspaper, and being the world's greatest Dodger fan every chance she got. Needless to say she wasn't too happy with my inattention to my studies and I would get reprimanded when I did too much partying. But, despite my behavior Carol was always there for me, and with me. I was, and still am a terrible dancer. Carol was a phenomenal dancer but she never made fun of me and we danced anyway all through our SPHS '66 year right on through graduation.
We went our separate ways in 1968, and with the exception of a few chance encounters we were not to be with oneanother again for 39 years. In 2007 we were reunited and for the past 16 years we have shared a unique and serious love affair that took us many places and bound us together as never before. It would take volumes to describe these 16 years. Two events stand out the most... In spring of 2007 we went to Field of Dreams in Iowa. We got to play catch together on that sacred field, sat in the stands and realized our own Dream was coming true. While in her office at Zemrus Escrow in Pasadena on a day in July of 2010 she was listening to her radio when the station announced their contest, "...Tell us your own personal Love Story for a chance to win tickets to the James Taylor/Carole KIng Reunion Tour Concert at Honda Center in Anahiem..." Carol called in to that radio station and told them our Love Story !! She won !! What a night that was, July 10, 2010 - our own private limo ride to and from the concert, front row seats, and an amazing performance by two of the most legendary singers/songwriters of all time.
In closing I want to let Carol's own words speak again. This is what she wrote in 2007:
"What's a Girl To Do?
The Life of reason lies in shambles at my feet, leaving me no place and nowhere to make a retreat. Forward I must move, beyond my fears and mental roadblocks. Love, with such beauty and promise lies ahead within my reach. Do I dare gather it up and hold it close? My heart tells me it will never be happy unless I get on that merry-go-round and take the chance that only comes once in a lifetime - The brass ring... the beat of my heart pounds in my ears - Listen! Listen! "
We rode some carousels together. I can see her still smiling back at me from the pony in front of me. I miss her smile, her joy for life, her love for her Islands home, and all those she loved.
As a veteran of all manner of wars I can say this...I curse the gawd damned incideous Alzheimers that took her from us way too soon. But, more than anything now, I praise God that she has been released from the grasp of the illness and is in Heavenly peace, surrounded by Infinite Love.
Aloha and farewell to my dear Carol. I will carry the years, the decades of love we shared and all the wonderful memories thereof, in my heart and spirit forever. We shall meet again someday and we will dance again.
Winnie Moran (Jasper) (1966)
When I think of Carol I think of vibrancy and Joy of Life. I am sad to see the flame of her candle cease to burn brightly, but I also know from the experience of watching my mother suffer from dementia for the last 12 years of her life that sometimes the end is a blessing as the person we knew and loved is no longer there. WE ARE LEFT WITH TREASURED MEMORIES.
Gordon 'Gordy' Ryder (1966)
Lovely and witty Carol was such a delight and so clever. When I first met her in Mrs. Paden’s art class in 8th grade I knew she was something special. We kept in loose touch over the decades and at the last reunion in 2016 she had clearly retained her entertaining ‘joie de vivre’.
Don Chambers (1966)
Jim's tribute -- so touching, caring. So glad to hear Carol had Jim those many years till the end.
Marit 'Connie' Smith (Federcell) (1966)
Fare thee well, Carol, my quirky, vivacious friend.
Hail the Traveler!
We commit you back from where you came—
to the arms of your ancestors.
May there be peace where there was anger.
May there be healing where there was hurt.
Go quickly to the place that your old ones called home.
For those who grieve for your passing, let there be healing.
For those who grieve for who you were, let there be healing.
For those who grieve for what you could have been, let there be healing.
Hail the Traveler. We celebrate your journey.
~ by Quetta Garrison-Madsen
Rob Driscoll (1966)
At SPHS 40th reunion, Carol and I renewed a long time friendship. I love this dear friend for all the reasons many of you shared. Carol introducied me to "The Beatles", shared numerous Dodger stories, hosted my journey through her beloved Hawaii, staying at her home inLeilani Estates, sharing our love for family, always her twin daughters a priority! Visiting our home in Washington, Aunty Carol, loved up our son and cheered his high school baseball pitching on to a 3-0 record, on her visits. Certain the Lord has given this Aloha woman a front row box seat. I will deeply miss my friend, as her daughters shared, "fun, crazy and wonderful mom." Mahalo Carol!
John Mumford (1966)
I didn't spend much time with Carol in high school but I always admired her spirit. The most I ever talked with her was at our 50th reunion (pictures from the reunion). Rest in peace Carol.