There was a time when I was free to live my life in harmony, Before the illness, which blighted me, Swept faces and places from my mind, people I loved from my memory. Remember me as I used to be. Think of me; remember my smile, The love we shared; linger awhile. I am at Peace now, I am me. At rest for all eternity.

Carol was born April 20, 1955 in Hoopa at her Grandma Hazels house on Keller Flat and passed on May 1, 2026 at Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

We gather today to celebrate the life of Carol — a woman who loved deeply, stood firmly, and whose presence shaped our family in unforgettable ways.

Carol graduated Hoopa high school, went on to attend College of redwoods, then continued to HSU and graduated with her bachelor's degree in business/bookkeeping and accounting. Sometimes she didn't have a running vehicle so she would get her little son ready and first ride the bus to drop him off at headstart then get back on bus to school, college and although she faced many obstacles she was determined to finish, and she did. Her eldest daughter Traci also graduated HSU becoming anthropologist, then Traci’s only girl Cassie O’Rourke graduated HSU with her degree in early childhood Education, continuing her legacy, Grandson Robbie, and Granddaughter Analicia are currently attending HSU Cal poly which made her very proud, she always encouraged education as a way to better lives, and set a example by doing just that.

Some of our best memories were made at her home. Whether it was a holiday, a birthday, or just a BBQ for no reason at all, Carol brought us together. She made those days feel easy, joyful, and full of the kind of love that only family can give.
Carol was hard headed and stubborn — and we say that with a smile, because it was part of what made her who she was. When she believed in something, she stood by it. When she loved you, she loved you fiercely. Her stubbornness was strength, loyalty, and heart all woven together.

She poured that same love into her fur babies, Otis and Roxy, who were never far from her side. They brought her comfort, laughter, and companionship, and she adored them with all her heart.

But most of all, Carol loved being a grandmother. She was proud of every accomplishment, big or small. She showed up for her grandchildren — cheering, supporting, celebrating — and those moments meant everything to her. Her joy in them was unmistakable.
Today, even as we feel the weight of her absence, we celebrate the gift of her life. Her laughter, her stubborn strength, her love for family, and the way she made our gatherings feel complete — these are the pieces of her we carry forward.
When we come together in the years ahead, whether for a holiday, a birthday, or just a simple afternoon, we’ll feel her there. In the stories we tell. In the laughter we share. In the love that remains.

Carol, thank you for everything you gave us. Your spirit lives on in all of us.

Carol is survived by her children Michelle (Glenn) Melendy, Aimee (Neal) Melendy James Melendy. Michael O’Rourke Sr Grandchildren: Cassie O’Rourke, Michale (Lorie)O’Rourke Jr Robert O’Rourke, Derrek Mccarty, Jamie Matthews, Analicia Melendy Jones. KC Flex, Quincy Jackson, Neal Moon Jr: Great grandchildren Micheal, Lily, and Kai O’Rourke, Derrek, Marvin, Kobe and Mia Mccarty, Salem Felix. Father George Wally Abbott, Husband Jeff Hutton. Sister Stacey (Bubs) Abbott, Auntie Shirley Cushman, Nieces and Nephews Ericka Loren (Alisha) Hostler, Gerald Moon, Keith (Lydia) Ashley Abbott, Madolin, Gino O’Rourke. Fur babies Otis and Roxy
Carol is preceded in death by her Daughter Traci Melendy O’Rourke, Granddaughter Wa-rec Lacey Mae Jackson Grandparents Casey and Hazel Keller, George and Mae Abbott, Mother Madolin Keller, Aunts and Uncles Mary, Keith and Kennith Keller, Diane Annon, Warren, Charles Sr, and Leroy Abbott, Dennis Cushman. Siblings Cessie Abbott Paul James, Steven and Leonard Abbott, Robert and Richard Robbins, Harol Blain Marshall. Nephew Thomas “Kocky” O’Rourke Jr.