Obituary of Carolyn Krinkie
May 22, 1942 – Jan 12, 2024
Carolyn was born to parents Raymond and Phyllis Burke in Sunnyvale, where she and her brother Daniel Burke grew up. She loved to participate in water ballet and beauty pageants, and was crowned “Miss Sunnyvale” in her younger years.
In her early 30’s, Carolyn moved to Boulder Creek, as her mother’s side of the family (Hartman) had many relatives there with a long history in the town. Her grandfather was the first official law man, living next door to St. Michaels Catholic church. Her Aunt and cousins lived downtown. After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Fred Krinkie, she moved to Ben Lomond.
As well as being a loving and devoted wife to Fred for nearly 46 years, Carolyn raised a son Jeffrey Gonzales and three daughters Jodi (Gonzales) Keaschall, Ashly Rose and Lynsy (Rose) Bridgman in the San Lorenzo Valley area. After building their forever home in early 2000’s, Fred and Carolyn settled into their beautiful home on a ranch in the Spring Hills area of Watsonville where she lived a wonderful and fulfilling life surrounded by beautiful green horse filled pastures and old oak trees.
You could hear her voice echoing throughout the hills as she’d sit perched on her front porch laughing on the phone with the many friends she kept in contact with throughout the day. Carolyn always knew when you needed a pick me up or solid word of advice, which she’d give fore warningly - wanted or not.
She was a mentor to so many and cared immensely about their lives and what they were going through at the time, and always made herself available to listen, no matter what. She was a fierce friend that so very many relied upon and her friendship will be sorely missed by each and every one of them.
What Carolyn most cherished in her life were her children, son-in-law Karl and her grandchildren; Jake Keaschall, Jordyn Ferrieira, Hunter Gonzales, Luke Keaschall, Brody Ferreira, and Natalie Rose Bridgman. No matter how near or far they were, she kept tabs on their daily lives by telephone or in person at their many sporting events. She was their biggest supporter, loud and proud, standing out in the crowd.
Carolyn and Fred, as successful business owners of Solar n’Shades window coverings worked tirelessly together building their legacy through hard work and true dedication for over 40 years. They’d often call upon their children (and their spouses) to work alongside them, and as of 10+ years ago brought their nephew Donald Krinkie on board to carry on their legacy.
She lived a full life completed by the immense love surrounding her while being cared for by her three daughters until her last breath, hand in hand with her husband in the peace and tranquility of her home.
Carolyn’s final wishes, was to not have a memorial or funeral, but a celebration of life sometime in the future (in true Carolyn fashion) to raise a glass of wine, story tell, laugh and celebrate the loyal friend that she was to those she cherished the most. Hers was a beautiful life! The love she shared with those lucky enough to call her “friend until the very end”, will be invited.
