Carolyn Ruddell Samuels, 1942-2008
The lifelong volunteer and world traveler is remembered by friends and family as regal, elegant and intelligent.
Carolyn Ruddell Samuels died suddenly and tragically on Saturday of injuries sustained after being struck by a drunken driver while running with a training group.
She was born May 22, 1942, at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto. After marrying Robert Samuels in 1960, they made their home in Woodside. While her children were still young, she graduated with an associate of arts degree from Canada College in Redwood City before transferring to Stanford University to complete a bachelor of arts degree in art history, graduating in 1983. She later completed a master of arts degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania.
Samuels was a lifelong volunteer. As a mother, she devoted her time to raising her children and found time to volunteer with the Children’s Health Council of Palo Alto. She continued to volunteer with the organization throughout her life, most recently as Auxiliary president from 2004-05.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Samuels worked for Language Pacifica in Menlo Park as a teacher of English as a second language. At the time of her death, she was a docent at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, cared for the Marilyn Monroe roses at the Santa Barbara Mission and eagerly anticipated volunteering for Americorps, a national work-service organization, where she was to be working with children developing their reading skills.
Her favorite hobby was traveling to foreign countries. She usually made at least one lengthy trip abroad every year. She and her dear friend Betsy Denison created a business, Caravan. They purchased textiles and fabrics from small local cooperatives in developing countries such as Peru, Ecuador and Laos. They brought the fabrics home and created clothing, selling the clothing at small shows to fund their next adventure and to purchase supplies to bring back to the artists with whom they partnered. Through this business partnership and friendship, Samuels traveled to many off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world, such as Burma, Iceland, Nepal, Jerusalem and Africa.
Samuels was often described by family and friends as a regal, elegant and intelligent woman who showed true compassion and honesty in the actions of her life. She will be greatly missed by her family and the broad network of friends whose lives she touched.
A memorial service in her honor will be held at All Saints By-The-Sea Episcopal Church in Montecito at 11 a.m. Saturday. It will be followed by another memorial service later this month at Christ Church in Portola Valley.
The family requests that any donations in her honor be made to one of the two organizations that she felt most strongly about: the Children’s Health Council of Palo Alto or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.
» wrote on 09/02/08 @ 11:36 PM
dear jill, jane and jeff—no one could have possibly outdone you all in writing the words to describe your mom. you were all regal, elegant and intelligent in your many words and she has to be so proud of all of you. what a senseless tragedy that all those left behind will have to deal with for so long. just know that we are here forever to offer love, compassion and whatever help you need. love, judy and stanley
» wrote on 09/03/08 @ 01:23 AM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff,
I learned of your Mother’s tragic death today from a friend who lives in Santa Barbara. I met your Mother in 1963 when my husband and I lived in the same apartment building in Urbana when your father was going to U. of I. We were all poor students, but we had a wonderful time together. I met all of you when you were little kids many years ago when you were visiting your Grandparents and came to our home near Chicago.
Your Mom was so proud of you! Her Christmas cards were always focused on the great things you were doing with your lives and how proud she was of you. I last saw your Mom in April 2002 when she and her Aunt Joan visited me in Sarasota Florida and I treasure the day we spent together. Her dedication to Team in Training for so many years was indicative of her deep concern for others. Her June 6 letter telling us that she was running again this fall for the cause detailed how fortunate she felt about being back in Santa Barbara. She was always so positive about everything she was doing and was an inspiration to me and I’m sure also to all she encountered.
My deepest sympathy to each of you. May your wonderful memories of your incredible Mother help you through this difficult time.
Jennifer Saslaw
» wrote on 09/03/08 @ 02:54 PM
Carolyn was my brother’s wife for many years. She is living proof that having an unsteady childhood doesn’t doom one to being unsteady the rest of your life. She poured into my parents and children all the love and attention she could muster--which was a lot more than most people from “functional,” two-parent homes do.
I happen to believe she’s not far away, so I intend to follow her example better from now on. May the ripples of her sparkling eyes and smile continue to spread in all those corners of the world that she touched.
» wrote on 09/03/08 @ 05:15 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. I was on the scene within a minute of the crash and your Mother was conscious and it was clear in her movements that she did not suffer a broken back or neck. My wife and I were horrified to learn that she had passed away. To learn in these past few days what an amazing life your mother led makes this all the more tragic.
This might not be the place to say this but I want you to know that I hope they nail this guy to the wall for what he did. When I saw who the driver was, just moments after the crash, I knew the guy was intoxicated. With his history he deserves to be put away for a long, long time.
» wrote on 09/03/08 @ 07:49 PM
I am so sorry and sad for you and all of Carolyn’s friends. She and I enjoyed wonderful, intimate conversations, whenever we met, over the last 40 yrs or so. They were always spontaneous, open and honest, often with laughter and sometimes tears, and I never expected that the unplanned, unexpected pleasure of meeting her and chatting would end. She was very deep, remarkably beautiful and a delight to know. I will miss her and remember her always.
With love, carol rose
» wrote on 09/03/08 @ 08:08 PM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff,
I did not know your mother very long, I first met her in Santa Barbara as she almost bought a house I was selling. I did however spend some time her planning and completing the current house.
She and I had great conversations on what group we were volunteering for next, and how this tile would look over that tile. I know she made her new house a home were you always had a place to stay, that was important to her.
She will be missed, and if there is anything I can do to help, please drop me an e-mail.
» wrote on 09/04/08 @ 07:50 AM
I am devastated with this. I adored Carolyn, she always made time for me when I visited the grands in CA. What a grand and wonderful woman she was. I would love to be in touch with you all and also Betsy. SHe had just e-mailed me about the Yosmite trip with her “girls”. My sincere condolenses to you all.
» wrote on 09/04/08 @ 08:01 AM
Dear Sharon and Jeff
When I got an email from you, I couldn’t believe that Carolyn passed away.
Just a couple of months ago, Sharon and I were talking about her while we were making a paper doll, weren’t we?
Then you introduced me to Carolyn and we had a great time for visiting some fabric shops in Asahikawa.
I expected and wanted to keep a friendship with her because she is so wonderful.Even I met her once, I really thought it.
On leaving Asahikawa I still rememer her smiling and posing in samue, blue cotton jacket which I made for her.
Now I’m afraid I can’t find the suitable words to you, though....but please remember I am being with you.
I’m sure her memories should be alive in my heart for ever.
» wrote on 09/04/08 @ 02:35 PM
Your community of friends and family in Girdwood and at Alaska Wildland Adventures is reeling with your loss. We all loved Carolyn and her adventurous spirit. She was a kind and loving woman and we will remember her heart with strength. Sending you lots of love and support from Alaska, Brooke and Shane
» wrote on 09/04/08 @ 03:51 PM
Our family is absolutely stunned and devastated by the loss of such a unique and beautiful woman.
Carolyn will always be Mrs. Samuels to me. How will I ever forget her wonderful care packages while Jill and I were roommates at ODU - Ghiradelli Chocolates, See’s Candies, yummy chocolate chip cookies. Over the years, she was so supportive and complimentary of my endeavors. I’m proud to have known her and will treasure my many special memories of Carolyn and her family!
» wrote on 09/04/08 @ 05:43 PM
To say that we are all devastated is an understatement. Carolyn has been a friend to so many. I met Carolyn 26 years ago and she has been a wonderful and loyal friend through the years. We carpooled our kids to swim meets and practices, ran our first 10k’s together, shared good books and movies, traveled to foreign lands. We giggled and laughed and felt anger and pain, but Carolyn always found the positive side to every negative thing that came her way. She was a compassionate gentle spirit, a free spirit and a believer of the goodness in people.
» wrote on 09/04/08 @ 06:17 PM
We were so upset to hear about this. Thanks for writing such a lovely article. Our thoughts are with you.
» wrote on 09/05/08 @ 12:41 PM
Dear JILL>i WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE SAD NEWS ABOUT YOUR MOM. I never had the privilege of meeting her, but from meeting you and the girls, I am sure she was a warm and loving Mom, just like you are. In case you forgot who the above person is, I am Diane Carr’s mom, and she forwarded me your email. Thought I would like to know.Take good care of yourself and your girls, and I hope to see you and the girls again some day.
My thoughts are with you all. Love, Dottie
» wrote on 09/05/08 @ 04:19 PM
We so enjoyed meeting Carolyn over the years when she would come to Alaska to visit Jeff, and then later both Jeff and Sharon. She was always so graceful and fun, a true pleasure to be around with a contagious sense of adventure and desire to experience life to it’s fullest. We always admired her. We will miss her. May you all soon find peace in these hard times. Love, Catherine, Kevin and Eleanor
» wrote on 09/06/08 @ 07:13 AM
This is a sad occasion. I met Carolyn years ago when she visited Jill in Norfolk VA, and I always remembered her cheerful attitude and warm smile. Through Jill, I have learned Carolyn was an amazing mother who did great things in her life. She lived an active and healthy life style and touched the lives of so many friends and relatives. She will be remembered always. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
» wrote on 09/06/08 @ 10:04 AM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff—We had so many wonderful times with your Mom. Early morning runs training for the San Francisco and London Marathons, fun parties and trips—we were training for Catalina in 2009. She was a treasure. Our hearts are broken.
Love Angela and Pat
» wrote on 09/08/08 @ 12:44 PM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff,
Carolyn and her mom Hazel were family friends of ours in the early 50’s. Your dad and I were best friends in high school and college. I introduce Carolyn to your dad and we all were very close through our undergraduate years. Carolyn was a gorgeous, statuesque woman with a bubbly and irresistible personality. One of the problems was that I had to stand on a box to look them both in the eye. Carolyn was proud of her John Robert Powers training and once showed me that he could easily walk around with a book on her head.
I deeply regret that we lost contact through the years. I saw your dad and Carolyn only briefly in 1977 and again in 1983. Your dad and I reconnected our friendship last year, a real joy for me, but I didn’t connect with Carolyn, although I did try when she was living in Menlo Park.
We were so impressed with the turnout at the service in Montecito last Saturday. I did have the pleasure of meeting Jane, but missed Jill and Jeff. I’m sure that you will miss your mom terribly, but you also have such wonderful memories of an unforgettable mom and outstanding lady who gave you all of her love and positively touched the lives of untold friends and acquaintances with her grace and graciousness.
Rest peacefully.
» wrote on 09/08/08 @ 01:21 PM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff,
Your mother and her mom, Hazel, were very good friends of our family as my brother, Bill, has written. I was a few years younger than your mom and dad but knew them well and admired both. I remember Carolyn especially during my high school years as she was a great help to me in my freshman year in showing me my way around; like a big sister would. My brother and I have spoken of her and your dad often through the years.
I will not forget her smiles and laughs.
Respectfully.
» wrote on 09/09/08 @ 05:19 PM
Jill, Jane and Jeff
We wanted you all to know how saddened we were when we heard the news of your mom. I remember her well, the hours we spent together at swim meets in the chlorine filled rooms. And I remember the beautiful house you had on Alpine road (although the counters were all too tall for me!) I know you have some wonderful memories of a great mom and our thoughts are with you during this very very sad time. Please let us know if you get to the bay area early the week of the memorial service. We are out of town that day but could come see you during the week.
Bill and Ann 415-331-3224
» wrote on 09/10/08 @ 01:39 AM
Jill Jane and Jeff,
I am very sorry for your loss. I am very saddened to hear this news about your mom. I have you in my thoughts. I remember all those carpool rides to and from Swimming fondly. From the crowded cars to the extra warm heaters… And your mom was always there to talk about the day.
» wrote on 09/10/08 @ 07:31 AM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff
This is so sad. I have great memories of your mom from carpool in the early mornings to Jill’s and my first trip to the Clinique counter at Macy’s. Sending good thoughts to you from Boise in this time of sorrow.
Dena, Rick, Grace and Sadie Shipton
» wrote on 09/11/08 @ 12:35 PM
We are all so sad about the loss of Carolyn. She taught here at Language Pacifica, and was such a wonderful person...her lively, joyful grace, quick intelligence and warm, caring strength made her extraordinary, and we and her many students felt so thankful for her.
» wrote on 09/12/08 @ 03:34 PM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff,
I have just heard the extremely sad news that your Mom died. I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to you and your families. Although it has been many years since I saw her, she has had a special place in my heart and I always enjoyed being in touch with her via email or letters. I had hoped that on one of her trips to Europe I would see her again one day. I pray that God in his mercy will be very close to you in your great loss. With love,
Natalie
» wrote on 09/18/08 @ 05:25 PM
Dear family,
What an incredibly tragic loss for so many. Although I havent seen Carolyn for years, we communicated several times a year via mail and email, always with the thought that we would someday get together. She will always have a place in my heart as a wonderful human being with an amazing human spirit. I know how much her family meant to her and that you will keep her memory alive in all that you do. With love!
» wrote on 09/18/08 @ 07:00 PM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff,
I am always at a loss for words at times like this. Carolyn and I remained friends after the divorce and I was tickled she was so happy in Santa Barbara. Also amazed that she kept running. She is a true lady and gentlewoman. She sent me photos of all of you every year with her letter so I probably remember you better than you remember me. My best thoughts for all of you.
» wrote on 10/03/08 @ 11:00 PM
Dear Jill, Jane and Jeff, I was devastated by the news of your mother’s most tragic death. I met your parents, and you three, not too long before they divorced. They were in the midst of framing many of your grandmother’s wonderful watercolors of woodside. Your mother continued to be a steady visitor and customer, and we became friends. I always looked forward to her visits and to hear about you kids and what you were doing (mothers’ love to share in their children’s sucesses) plus I so admired her neverending enthusiasm for the causes, dear to her heart, and her willingness to commit her energies for such good causes. I was entranced by her quiet, gentile, very sincere interest and concern for others, knowing that she had overcome many difficult times, but remained the opitomy of GRACE. I liked what your Aunt Susan wrote about “following her example” and am making donations to Carolyn’s favorite charities..because they have lost their mightiest warrior, as well. I wish peace and calm for you, in your hearts, so you can recall her gentle voice.