It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Carol Kotecki, lovingly known as “Peaches,” who passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2024 with her children beside her.

Born on Jan. 5, 1942, Carol lived a full and adventurous life. In 1960 she married the love of her life Tom Kotecki, who predeceased her.

They celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage and family, along with a lifetime of incredible memories, spending their final years in the beautiful town of Los Olivos.

Carol worked at Jedlickas, Judy Hale Gallery, and Union Bank, and volunteered at Los Olivos Library, as well as at other events and goings-on in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Carol is survived by her loving children Ted Kotecki (“She wasn’t just my mother, she was my best friend. She was the light in my life and the most generous person I’ve ever known.”); Liz Clark and son-in-law Steve Clark, and Laura Stott and son in-law Joe Stott; her beloved grandchildren Cassady and Maeve Ozimec, Elijah and Carola Ozimec, Riley and Gabby Solomon, Michael Solomon and Drake Clark; and great-grandchildren Elijah, Olivia, Sloane, Bella and Esmae.

Remembered for her generous, caring, witty, and incredibly loving nature, Carol was a unique and special soul and a good friend to many. She enjoyed lifelong friendships, connecting via Marco Polo and “early morning phone calls and e-mails.”

Her greatest lesson to all: Love unconditionally and accept other’s no matter what their differences. She had a great sense of humor and loved a good inside joke … “Did you hear about the MGM Grand?”

Carol had a zest for life. She loved road trips to New Mexico Indian reservations for handmade jewelry and decorative items; California Missions; favorite artists R.C. Gorman and Diego Garcia; Luciano Pavoratii and all opera and classical music.

Carol was an avid reader and loved a good detective series. Carol enjoyed all things Southwest and Mexican culture

She and Tom visited each and every California mission, often took road trips to Arizona and New Mexico in the monsoon seasons (she loved the lightening), and explored parts of Mexico.

Carol embraced the following quotes and encouraged others to do the same. She was loved immensely and will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

“ Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” — Helen Keller
“ The riches of life lies in memories.” — Cesare Pavese

We miss you.