Carol Joanne Waters, age 88, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2023.
Carol was born on April 7, 1935 to Clara and Clement Shimon in Rolfe, Iowa. She graduated from Rolfe High School in 1953. After high school, she continued her education in Minneapolis, MN, which led to a long career as a laboratory technician. Early in her career she met and married the love of her life, Paul Waters. They raised their children while living in Iowa and later moved to Arizona upon retirement.
Throughout her life, Carol had a passion for music. She began playing the piano and the clarinet as a child and continued to play and perform with community ensembles all of her life. She moved to Arizona in the early 1990s and enjoyed being a member of many ensembles in the East Valley including, Mesa City Band, East Valley Pops orchestra, The Hungry Five + Polka Band, Viewpoint Band and the Desert Winds Band, where she was a founding member and served on the board. Carol was also known as a gifted crafter. One could often find her with yarn around her feet or a project in her lap making homemade treasures for everyone she loved.
Carol was a very loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Her family and friends are going to miss her heart of gold and happy smile. Her generosity and love for family will always be remembered by all who knew her, and those of us that are left behind will have the fortune and honor to carry her memories forward.
Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Waters, of 66 years. She is survived by her children: Laura (David) Sopeland of Gilbert, AZ, Steve Waters of Payson, AZ and Karie (Bill Handy) Waters of Mesa, AZ; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery.
I am sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. She was a wonderful, kind lady and I enjoyed playing with her at the East Valley Pops Orchestra and Mountain Brook band. My last time talking with her was at Harveys memorial which she attended with her daughter.
To Carol’s Family – My heart goes out to you at this sad time. I was welcomed warmly by Carol into the Desert Winds Band (aka Tower Point Band) many years ago. We shared the Iowa background, the joy of making music and the love of a good laugh. May the memories of a life well lived bring you comfort in the days ahead. Sincerest condolences, Nancy Wombacher