Carolyn Perich

Carolyn Ann Perich was the second of four children born to Carl J. Paul and Esther L. Paul (nee Abplanalp) on Good Friday, April 3, 1942, in Orange, CA. She was a blonde, towhead from the very beginning, with lots of energy and affectionately called “little imp” by her adoring father. Her dad was a doctor, and her mom was a nurse. Carl and Esther opened a medical practice and began to raise their family in Orange. Carolyn and her siblings attended St. John’s Lutheran School through the 8th grade. She graduated in 1960 from Orange High School, where she was a cheerleader, lettered in tennis, and represented her school at Girls’ State. It was at Orange High that she met Jack, the love of her life. She married him in January of 1962, and they lived in Orange their entire married life. Lisa was born in November 1964, and Scott followed in March of 1967.

As an active member of the Lutheran church, Carolyn was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John’s in Orange. Over the years, she has also been a member, worshipped, served in committees, sang in choirs, played and directed handbells at Hepatha, Anaheim Hills, St. Paul’s, Orange, and most recently, Christ, Brea. She created the Senior Moments program at St. Paul’s, where fellowship and love were enjoyed by their seniors. Her dedication and love can be seen in the numerous hand-embroidered baptismal napkins, prayer quilts, NICU blankets, church banners, and a minister stole.

Through the Lions Clubs, Carolyn supported Jack, visiting many countries. In 2021, she received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Orange Lions Club for dedicated humanitarian services. Even though she was not a Lion, she was affectionately known as the “cookie lady” who volunteered and shared her love for baking, bringing dozens and dozens of baked goods to the local Lions’ and community events.

Carolyn assisted Jack and was a vital member in the day-to-day operations of J&S Sign Company, holding many front-of-house administrative positions. She eventually started her own business, CJ Traffic Signs, specializing in silk-screening, manufacturing street and traffic signs, and creating special projects for communities. Conceived initially to support J&S, the company became a successful business and a viable contender for many city and county projects.

She retired and sold the business in 2006. During her retirement with Jack, they spent much of their leisure time at their vacation home in Big Bear. Carolyn loved the mountains and spent many hours fishing on the lake and sharing their mountain home with family and friends.

Carolyn excelled in many facets of life. She was a great cook, chocolatier, candy-maker, and cake decorator. She enjoyed canning vegetables and fruits, sharing this passion of her “Yummies for the Tummies” with others. As a skilled seamstress, she made shirts for Jack, clothes and Halloween costumes for Lisa, Scott, and her grandchildren. Her love of needlework included embroidery, but her passion was quilting. Carolyn designed and made many quilts for family and friends to celebrate new babies, weddings, and Christmas. She always quilted by hand.

Sadly, she was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in May, and the Lord called her home on October 31. She is preceded in death by her mom, dad, and brother, Don. She is survived by Jack, her husband of sixty-one years, Lisa (Chuck) and grandson, Carl Perr, Scott (Shannon) grandchildren Thomas and Maeve, her sisters Nancy and Sue (Steve), and sister-in-law Shannon, various nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Donations in her memory should go to:

CHOC Hospital

Christ Lutheran Church - 820 W Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821

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