Carol Jeanne Waddington, accomplished linguist and world traveler, died on June 18 at the age of 53.
Carol was born on February 18, 1960, attended Palisades High School, graduated from UCLA cum laude with a degree in political science, and later earned a master’s degree in entomology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She spoke five languages fluently. She recently won a spelling bee with her library team in Santa Paula, where she volunteered in the literacy program teaching English.
At age 17, Carol began traveling, and for six months lived in France with what became her French family. She continued to travel and lived all over the world, always using her language skills to find work. She made life-long friends everywhere she lived.
Carol never held a “pity party” for herself when she contracted multiple sclerosis at age 40 in the prime of her life. It was not her nature to be anything but positive about life and the infinite possibilities. In fact, she kept her Flamenco shoes, hoping one day to dance again.
A celebration of life will be held on June 29 at l p.m. in the Universalist Unitarian Church, 740 E. Main St., in Santa Paula (805-525-4647). A reception will follow with a rose-planting ceremony in the garden.
A Mass will be celebrated at St. Monica’s church in Santa Monica on July 8 at 7 p.m.
Carol is survived by her father, Judge Lawrence Waddington of Pacific Palisades; mother Jennie Waddington and stepmother Jane Waddington; sister Susan, brothers Charles and James and stepsister Kelly; nieces Dasha and Jia; and her brother in-law Edison.
Carol’s family said, “We were truly blessed to have had Carol, with all her brilliance and caring ways, who graced our lives for what turned out to be such a short time. She was beautiful, strong, and brilliant and always did things her way in life.”
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
