With deepest sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Elizabeth “Betty” Ann (Tancowny) Carroll surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home in Goleta at the age of 78 on May 3, 2024.
Betty will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, best friend, and business partner of 49 years, Les Carroll; cherished daughter Kristel Stern and husband Chuck: treasured granddaughters Abigail Lily and Ava Rose, grandsons Jonathan and Robin; beloved younger brother Reg Tancowny and partner Bonnie; dear sister-in-law Barbara Bielagus (Carroll) and husband Joe: loving nieces Kate, Melissa, Kara and Sonya; as well as countless friends, neighbors and colleagues who were part of her chosen family.
Born on Oct. 27, 1945 in Edmonton, Canada, Betty was raised in Radway, a Ukrainian settler village in central Alberta.
At age 20, Betty launched her career in radio at 630 CHED Edmonton. Alberta’s premier Top 40 station, as an administrative assistant. Betty quickly worked her way into business management at KZOK 102.5 Seattle where she found herself falling for the handsome new sales manager Les.
As for Les, it was love at first sight. Betty and Les took their newfound love and mutual sense of adventure to Los Angeles, where Betty held various management positions in radio, including Radio and Records trade publication.
From 1987 to 1989, Betty worked alongside Les at KLBB Minneapolis-St. Paul.
After returning to California in 1990, Betty was a co-founder and vice president of the MediaMall Networks company that enabled radio and TV stations in 22 national markets to create revenue from the sale of barter-acquired discount certificates redeemable at local businesses.
Additionally, Betty was the COO of Seaside Communications, Inc., the Santa Barbara-based, multi-media and marketing services company that published Passport Gateway Magazine for 25 years, and has managed TV production, radio and digital assets and political media placement from 1995 to present.
Betty’s professional accomplishments in broadcasting radio and media were a great source of pride for her and Les, but her greatest gift was the way she made dear and lasting friendships every step of the way.
Betty took immense pride in her Ukrainian heritage; was a talented cook and hostess; and reveled in the company of her friends and family at her home for countless holiday parties and backyard pool volleyball.
As an animal lover, Betty’s home was never complete without a furry companion. Throughout the years, Betty and Les were blessed with faithful dog companions Duchess, Gizmo, Piper and Jax.
With radio and music being the cornerstone of her life. Betty was a lover of rock and roll, especially the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Her legacy of letting the good times roll will live on through Les, Kristel, her grandchildren, and the many others she touched throughout her life.
A memorial service is planned to take place in Santa Barbara County in August. Condolences for the family can be emailed to Les Carroll at lcarroll@mediasb.com and leslie32481@gmail.com.