Elizabeth Mary Carroll died on March 13 at age 77. Liz, as she was known to all, was born October 5, 1942, to John and Elizabeth Ragány, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. John and Elizabeth had, separately, emigrated from Hungary, and met in the United States.

Liz always enjoyed travel, both domestic and foreign. After graduating from University of Bridgeport in 1964, Liz traveled west to Los Angeles, a place she had visited as a teenager, to obtain a Master’s Degree from Loyola University so she could pursue her passion, of teaching. While in Los Angeles, Liz met Bob Carroll, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who himself had traveled west after obtaining his MBA. The two married in 1966, and Liz started teaching high school students in Whittier. The newlyweds shortly thereafter moved to Milwaukee, where Liz continued to teach high school students.

Bob’s job brought them west again, to Fremont, where Liz’ first two children, Elizabeth and Thomas, were born. The young family relocated again, to Bakersfield, where daughter Barbara was born, and where Liz taught math to middle schoolers. In 1973, the Carroll family moved for the final time to Escondido. The next year, Liz began teaching with the Escondido Union High School District, where she worked for 30 years. She also earned a doctorate degree from United States International University. Liz divorced in 1987, moved to Rancho Bernardo in 1998, and retired from teaching in 2004.

Liz continued to enjoy travel and researching family history. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, Liz reached out to both her paternal and maternal relatives in Hungary, and formed close relationships with them. She visited them in Hungary many times, and hosted their visits here.

Liz died peacefully in San Diego on March 13. She was buried in a private ceremony at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Escondido, the community she served for 30 years. She is survived by her three children, Elizabeth Feffer (Justin), Thomas Carroll, Barbara Carroll (Stacey Creech), and four beloved grandchildren.

The best way to honor the memory of Liz Carroll is to send a handwritten note to someone you love.