Carol Eyheralde

Could there be anyone who had a greater love for the creatures of the earth? Likely not, as we say goodbye to our beloved Carol Eyheralde, comforter and champion of every species of animal. Born 7-29-42 in Oakland, Carol's ties to Napa were impressive. Her Grandparents were born here in the late 1800's and their names of Muzzio and Cassarye are wound tightly in Napa history. Carol spent most of her youth in the Bay Area but along with her sisters, visited Napa often. There were many happy summers of tagging along with Grandma to pick fruits and vegetables at the numerous farms that surrounded the city. After an unsuccessful marriage, Carol moved to Napa with her daughter Cathy, and given assistance by an aunt and uncle. Applying for work at Pacific Telephone, Carol found herself a "victim" of Affirmative Action by being assigned as the first female communications technician in Northern California. Not content to enjoy a free ride, she became the first female student in the electronics program at Napa College. Days were spent reading telephone company tech manuals and nights immersed in electronic textbooks. The result was an incredibly competent and respected technician. A fellow co-worker, Richard Eyheralde, admired her for more than her technical skills, and they were married in 1976. Carol's interest in caring for animals had its genesis when she responded to a request by the San Francisco Zoo for volunteers in their raptor rehabilitation program. After a training period, she was handling bald eagles, vultures and great horned owls, among others, and never lost her awe of these magnificent birds. Later, she became involved with the Suisun Wildlife Center as a rehabilitator, and cared for a large variety of birds, mammals, rodents and reptiles. She considered every life precious, no matter how lowly it was deemed in human terms. After attending her first membership meeting of the Napa Humane Society, she was soon invited to serve on the Board of Directors. This led to several terms as president of the organization. The greatest accomplishment during her tenure was the purchase and operation of the spay / neuter clinic on California Blvd. For the last several years, Carol operated as a "free agent ," tending to the needs of the feral cat population and trapping and fixing over 400 homeless cats. Acquiring a large lot in the county, she had a sizeable barn and play yard built to house the most unfortunate of these creatures. Her compassion was boundless. Carol is survived by her husband, Richard, and her daughter Cathy Dominguez and grandchildren Frank and Monica. Surviving sisters are Silvia Akinaga, Diane Alchin and Teresa Carlyon. A celebration of life will be held at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home on Thursday, July 21 at 11am. Internment will follow at Tulocay Cemetery. Donations, in lieu of flowers, are requested to be made to the Wildlife Rescue Center of Napa County, or the animal care organization of your choice.

Carol Eyheralde

July 29, 1942 - July 14, 2016

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Carol Eyheralde

July 29, 1942 - July 14, 2016

Obituary Notification

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