Carla Jean’s life of giving ended July 30th. Many felt her hugs, ate her homemade Whoopie pies, or had their height measured on the bathroom door at the family home in Topsham.

She did many amazing things for many people – primarily children.

As a young mom, she was an ace homemaker, mastering the bowl cut, perfecting Tang and making plaids work with just about anything. She made her children’s clothes as well as every single breakfast, lunch and dinner. These skills blossomed throughout her life. The Thanksgiving table was always ready days ahead with each person’s place set with an individualized ornament.

Once her kids grew older, she began her career as a special education teacher at Williams-Cone School using the degree she earned from the University of Farmington. She loved children and children loved her. She was a tireless advocate for the disadvantaged and learning disabled, often bringing her students home for an afternoon of peace and a dip in the pool.

Carla was an incredible and prolific quilter, and many were stitched by hand. Quilts were a way for her to extend her love. The individualized planning, creating and giving of each one filled her heart.

She loved to dole out complements, say hello to strangers, pick wild blueberries, brag about her kids, cheer at their sporting events, root for the underdog and especially, watch and narrate home movies. Every glass she held was half-full and she always insisted everyone be included.

Carla was an emotional open-book who cried when she was happy, touched, sad, or while watching a cheesy tear-jerker. She used words like “tipsy” and “chums”. Instead of swearing, she’d say “Oh, sugar!”

She was a fan of old movies and knew all the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era. She enjoyed “Murder, She Wrote” and “Everybody Loves Raymond”, especially with a bowl of popcorn.

During family dinners she’d play Neil Diamond or Elton John. Other favorites included Billy Eckstine, Carole King, Anita Baker, Barbra Streisand, Robert Cray and the Dixie Chicks. She cheerfully tolerated Kiss, Molly Hatchet and Van Halen.

Moslty, she was a natural mom. At times kind and gentle, at others times, fiercely protective. She stood up for her family without fear and constantly filled her children and grandchildren with love and support.

Her dream home on Old Farm Road was regularly filled with her kids and their sleepover guests who woke to the smell of pancakes and bacon, then spent the day in the pool.

And when not at home, the camp at Oak Pond was her favorite place. The family compound since the 1940’s, “upta camp” was where she watched her children and their cousins swim, water ski, dodge the occasional blood sucker, but most importantly, laugh with abandon.

She was a communicant of St. Charles in Brunswick where she served for a time as a lay Eucharistic minister. Despite being dealt extraordinary challenges later in life, she never lost her faith in God. When physically able, she attended mass. When not, she read scriptures from one of her many Bibles.

Carla lived a life filled with loving and deeply meaningful relationships. The ripples of which are felt far and wide and she will remain alive in the form of goodwill, warmth, joy, laughs, smiles and love. She found beauty in giving and her family and friends were the regular recipients.

Family and friends are welcomed to St Charles Borromeo at 132 McKeen Street in Brunswick, ME for her funeral services that will be held on Saturday, August 11th at 10am.