Carol Nan Mehrtens, 96, peacefully left us on Christmas Day at her beloved home in Atherton, California. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Roger, her two children, Andrea (Roger) Dickens and Wayne (Victoria) Prim, Jr., along with four cherished grandchildren—Ana Christine, Wayne III "Wil," Miles Vittorio, and Summer Starlit—and five great-grandchildren: Wayne IV "Levi," Jenson Jr. "JJ," Piper, Anabelle, and Hallie.

A longtime resident of Atherton and Lake Tahoe, Carol also found solace in Hawaii, her tranquil refuge. Born in Butte, Montana, she came into the world as the daughter of loving parents. Her father, a major league baseball player and scout for Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics, also published a collection of poetry, based on his Christian faith. Most notable was a poem about his daughter, Carol.

The family later relocated to Seattle, where Carol attended the University of Washington and thrived in ballet, training with the renowned choreographer Robert Joffrey.

In her early years in the San Francisco Bay Area, Carol dedicated much of her time to the Peninsula Volunteers while expertly balancing motherhood.

She was also a long-term patron of the arts, including an ardent and passionate supporter of the San Francisco Ballet.

She and Roger loved to travel throughout the world and maintained long-term friendships with people all over the world. She also generously hosted many foreign students at her home throughout her life.

Carol married her second husband, Roger Mehrtens, in 1975, and they shared a joyful partnership for nearly five decades. He was by her side in her final moments.

"Carol was as close to a saint as one could be. She radiated kindness and inclusivity, always discovering the good in others. Her belief that 'there is a Jack for every Jill' reflected her optimistic spirit. It feels fitting that she passed on Christmas Day, a date that symbolizes her unmatched grace. She always greeted everyone with her warm smile, and her final moments were no different as she flashed that enduring smile one last time."

"We are heartbroken by the loss of Carol, our spouse, our mother, our grandmother who made the world a better place with her presence. She truly was a perfect soul."

A viewing is scheduled for January 10th from 3pm-6pm at Crippen & Flynn Woodside Chapel, 400 Woodside Drive Redwood City CA 94061. Her burial will be January 11th at 11am at Clements Glen View Cemetery, Clements CA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Peninsula Volunteers on her behalf.