Carol Anne Riordan

On January 12, Carol Anne Riordan passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Carol was born the eldest of two children of Bessie V. and George S.E. Harvey who precede her in death along with her husband of 59 years Bob, and her beloved “little brother” George. Carol is survived by her children Tim (Christine) and Kay (Gordon), her grandchildren Joshua, Jordan (Christina), and Tori, and the lights of her life- her twin great grandsons, along with cherished nieces, nephews and friends with whom she delighted spending time. Whether you knew her as Carol, Princess, Darling Daughter, Baby Doll, Mom, Auntie Carol, Auntie, A.C., Grandma, Mema, or G.G., your world was better because she was there brightening your days. As an avid cook and baker, Carol was well known for her birthday cakes, particularly her amazing Angel Food Cake, as well as her remarkable pies, with some of the flakiest pie crusts in the valley. No matter what going on, there was always room at her table for an extra friend. Carol was also a gifted artist; taking up her paintbrush for the first time in her forties, she created beautiful landscapes and seascapes which evoke emotion and leave the viewer feeling as if they were there. Carol was born in Vacaville, moved to Vallejo where she attended elementary school, then moved to Napa and attended Napa High School. She briefly attended Napa Valley College until the unexpected death of her father, when she had to quit her studies to work and help support her family. This was just one of the many things she did to always put her family first – and never regretted it. Carol never knew a stranger. She was a gifted conversationalist, with a knack for making people feel at ease, and her smile lit up the hearts of others. Always seeing the best in others, she was a quintessential optimist. She saw the bright side in every situation. No matter what endeavor she undertook, Carol did so wholeheartedly. She loved an adventure, whether it was to dance, paint, water ski, snow ski, play bridge; Carol was active and all-in always. Her memories of time spent with her grandchildren were kept close to her heart and she was proud to share stories about the fun they shared together. She loved to be silly, laugh, and to make others laugh, no matter what their age. At any time, she could break out a happy song, a silly nursery rhyme, or put a potholder on her head and dance around the kitchen to get a laugh. Carol treasured her time as a volunteer at Community Projects, and especially her work as a Tour Guide. As a Tour Guide, Carol truly found her calling! Combining research with decades of knowledge about the Napa Valley, she lovingly talked to busloads of tourists. Carol will be laid to rest alongside her mother in Yachats, Oregon overlooking the beach and the Pacific Ocean. Please join the family in celebrating Carol’s life on March 11 from 11:30 – 2:30 at the Native Sons Hall, 937 Coombs Street, Napa. We would love to hear what Carol meant to you. Memories and photos may also be shared with the family at www.claffeyandrota.com. In lieu of flowers, Tim and Kay ask that you plant Daffodils in a sunny spot and think of Carol each spring or make a donation in Carol’s name to Girls Garage in Berkeley (www.girlsgarage.org ; 1380 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94710.)

Carol Anne Riordan

January 12, 2023

Navigation

Contact Us

Carol Anne Riordan

January 12, 2023

Obituary Notification

Navigation

Contact Us