Karolyn Montano

Karolyn Montano, a long time Costa Mesa resident, passed away on January 10, 2011. She was born in Dubuque, Iowa to George L. McCarten and Karolyn Schroeder McCarten on December 4, 1930.
She graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa and began her career as an elementary teacher in Rockford, Illinois and later she taught in Denver, Colorado. In 1961, Karolyn moved to Costa Mesa where she taught at California School. Some years later, she changed her career and opened her own business selling educational materials and supplies to schools, teachers and parents.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Elmer “Monty” Montano and daughters Ann (Cal) Shores, Nancy (Kevin) Karamanos, Barbara (Gregg) Colbert and son Kenneth. She derived so much joy and had great love for her grandchildren, Brett, Katie, Keith, Natalie, Stacy, Trent, Chad, and Kendall.
Karolyn had many friends and enjoyed being with them all whether they were her neighbors, library volunteer associates, golf “buddies” or aerobics enthusiasts. She and her husband enjoyed worldwide traveling and she stated that her most favorite trip was a photo safari to Kenya, Africa. She had a true joy for life and lived every moment to the fullest. Karolyn will be greatly missed by all who were part of her life. She truly was a gentle person who could only be described as one of a kind.
Karolyn will be inurned at the National Cemetery in Riverside on February 8th at 1:30 PM and a celebration of her life will be held at the Costa Mesa Country Club on the 19th of March. Details to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be sent to: Research To Prevent Blindness at 645 Madison Avenue, Floor 21, New York, NY 10022-1010. Her family would be very appreciative of this gesture…