LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Carol Mostin was born in Alhambra, California, on April 18, XXX and passed away in Clearlake, California, on April 8, 2024. She suffered complications from a broken hip.

Carol was a lifelong Californian, moving to Lake County in 1990. Carol was a child of the World War II era, and it had an impact throughout her life.

Carol was born to Lucien Vincent and Dorothy Anderson and she grew up in Alhambra, graduating from Alhambra High School in 1949.

When her parents divorced, she lived with her paternal grandparents, as her mother went to work at a defense plant helping to build airplanes for the war.

She and her brother Richard suffered from this two-year separation from their mother, but it was unavoidable at the time. When their mother married Ralph Craig, not only were the children finally with their mom and a stepdad, but also two aunts whose husbands were injured in the war and three children as well. Her parents had rented a very large house and it was full.

In 1946 her mother had a third child, Gail. Carol was enamored with the baby sister and doted on her. She was the consummate big sister.

In 1950, the immediate family purchased a home in Whittier, at which time Richard moved to San Diego to live with his father.

Carol went to work in a bakery where she learned cake decorating, and she became most accomplished, sharing this with friends and family her whole life. She and her mother also worked at Carrillo’s Mexican Restaurant for a few years.

Carol graduated from Mt Sac Community College with a degree in secretarial administration. In a subsequent job she was asked to make several oral presentations, but she was petrified of public speaking. She worked on that by taking a Dale Carnegie Course where she successfully overcame her fear.

Carol married Richard (Dick) Hull in 1953 and they had two children, Stephen Richard and Marilyn Marie. At the end of this marriage in the late 60s, Carol and children lived in Orange County primarily.

During this time as a single parent, Carol attended Orange Coast Community Church and it was there she met Gloria McManus, thereafter a life long friend.

Carol, Gloria and Marilyn sang in the choir and Carol managed the church nursery. Babies were high on Carol’s love list.

At this time also, Carol and Gloria gave loving continuous care for a paraplegic friend, Lynn. Carol has been a good friend to many over the years. Her kind heart reached far and wide.

Carol and Frank Metzler met in the 1980s. He retired from the Teamsters and they married in November 1982. Carol took his four grown children and several grandchildren under her wing. His youngest daughter Gwen and Carol were especially close. Before long Frank and Carol moved to Lakeport to help out aging parents, Dorothy and Ralph Craig. They built a beautiful home overlooking Clearlake.

This was a very happy time at first, fixing up their home and large yard (Carol loved gardening), helping her parents, riding on the lake in Frank’s boat and entertaining grandchildren in the summers. Grace EV Free Church and the summer camp became a highlight.

On Aug. 28, 1988 tragedy struck, when Carol’s son Stephen, who was serving with the Air Force as a master sergeant and overseas communications officer, was badly injured. He was attending an air show in Ramstein, West Germany when three jets collided, one crashing into the crowd. Burning debris scattered all over the field and Stephen was badly burned. He died later at the Texas Brooks Army Medical Center. He was 32 years old and buried with full military honors.

Marilyn presented Carol with two precious grandsons, Christian Vincent Boeri and three years later Michael Angelo Boeri. They and Christian’s daughters, Tessa and Nicolette, have been the light of Carol’s life. The boys have fond memories of church camp summers and loving time with their grandparents.

Carol started a real estate career in 1992 at Coldwell Banker Town and Country in Lakeport. In June 1998 she joined ReMax Lake County. She became a beloved member of their team. Carol’s ethics and professionalism earned her many long term loyal clients and her friendship with Laura Hall-Santarnelli grew. Her dedication to her clients won her many awards including the Executive Club and 100% Club. She also always contributed to the Children’s Miracle Network from every closed escrow.

Carol and Frank had many years of fun, however, it became apparent that Frank was suffering from memory issues which developed into Alzheimer’s. Carol kept him home caring for him 24/7 for many years before placing him in memory care and even then attending to him morning and night. Frank died in early 2000.

Carol knew several members of the Mostin family through church, and it was this connection that brought Ray Mostin into her life. They had each cared for a spouse for a number of years and looked forward to a new adventure together in 2008.

Carol loved the land, flowers and garden, where she could be found most days. She and Ray spent time in Los Cabos with her sister and brother-in-law. They were also able to take a few other trips, but truly enjoyed their life among the pear orchards with their cats and dog Lilly. Carol was always ready for another ball game when Lilly asked.

The Mostin Family, both young and old, had many family gatherings and Carol felt cared for and appreciated. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining.

Carol was the best big sister. She was a loving person, outstanding businesswoman and loyal friend.

Carol is preceded in death by husband, Ray; her son, Stephen; her parents, Dorothy and Ralph Craig; and her brother, Richard Vincent. She is survived by her sister, Gail Rupp, and brother-in-law Chuck; daughter, Marilyn Boeri; grandsons, Christian Vincent Boeri and wife Jamie, and Michael Angelo Boeri; great-granddaughters, Tessa and Nicolette Boeri; and four stepchildren, Gary Metzler, Gale Garfield, Gregg Metzler and Gwen Deck.

The family offers its thanks to Hospice Services of Lake County for their loving care of our precious Carol.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, 5340 Third St., with a reception to follow.