1956 - 2021
Carol Lynn
Carol Lynn (French) Young, loving wife, mother and grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away on Thursday, August 5th, 2021, at the age of 65, at her home in Silverton, Colorado. Carol was born on February 20th, 1956 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts to William & Marjorie (Licari) French, their youngest of 4 children. She proudly raised her daughter Myste (born 1981) and son Johnny (born 1985) as a devoted and generous single mother. In 2008, Carol married Roger Young, who she met in Silverton. Her grandson John was born in 2013 and she was very involved in his life and loved being a grandmother. Carol will be missed by many; her sweet smile and kind and loving demeanor made her the friend of everyone she met.
Carol Graduated from Escondido High School and she received her Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development from Palomar College. Carol was an Early Childhood Specialist, running a daycare center in Escondido, California for over 20 years before she moved to Silverton in 2003. She left an unforgettable imprint on the countless children she cared for over the years. Carol also loved animals and wherever she lived, she always fed the birds and squirrels and raised a garden of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Carol was a year-round resident of Silverton from 2003 to 2008 and a summertime resident from 2008 until present. She was well-loved by the Silverton Community. At the time of her passing, she worked for Fetch’s Mining & Mercantile and Handlebars Restaurant & Saloon. Previously she had worked for the Silverton Preschool, Silverton After School Program, the Brown Bear Café, the Chattanooga Café, and the Blair Street Emporium.
Carol was an incredibly talented writer. She self-published a book of poetry called Memories, Dreams and Reflections as well as a children’s book called Chloe Learns to Surf, based on the beaches of San Diego which held a special place in her heart. She taught her own children to surf in Oceanside, Coronado, La Jolla and Encinitas, CA.
Carol was passionate about the outdoors; during her children’s younger years she spent summers on the pond where she grew up in East Otis, Massachusetts, canoeing, hiking, sailing, and fishing. She was an avid photographer, capturing timeless moments in nature and of the people she loved. She was also a talented and creative cook and would often welcome friends and strangers alike into her home to share a meal, especially around the Holidays. Anyone who had the privilege to try her famous apple pie knew firsthand how much love she put into food.
After 2 years on dialysis, in 2016 Carol received a kidney transplant, generously donated by her loving husband Roger. In 2018 Carol and Roger sold their possessions and moved full-time into an RV. For the past 3 years they traveled the country spending part of their year with each of Carol’s children and grandchild. Carol enjoyed living a more nomadic lifestyle, getting to live in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Georgia during her last years.
Carol was a lover of music. For the past 25 years she was a devoted super-fan of Dwight Yoakam, owning all of his albums and seeing him live in concert dozens of times. She also appreciated the music of John Denver, the Beach Boys, and Sublime. She enjoyed the European travel programs of Rick Steves as well as Hallmark Christmas movies and romantic comedies of all kinds.
Carol was preceded in death by her father William French, her mother Marjorie Licari French Brown, her stepfather Finis Brown, her brother William “Billy” French, her cat companion of 17 years Zilla, and her favorite dog Chloe. She is survived by her husband Roger Young, her children Myste & Philip French and Johnny & Ryan Shirk, her grandson John Edison Shirk V, her siblings Mary Ann & Allen Wood and Robert “Bobby” French, several cousins, nieces, nephews and her 3 cats Feliz, Juan and Diego. Carol will always be “Forever Young” to those who knew and loved her.
A community celebration of Carol’s life will be held in Silverton in September 2021, followed by a private scattering of ashes for family at the Silverton Cemetery. Cards and donations can be sent to PO Box 983, Silverton, CO 81433. Flowers may be delivered to 1595 Cement St., Silverton.
