Lasting Memories
Carol Ann Tinsley
July 31, 1937-April 27, 2014
Menlo Park, California
Carol Ann Tinsley of Menlo Park passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2014. A longtime resident of Menlo Park, she was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Los Altos and Atherton by her parents Margaret and Edwin Smith.
"CA," as she was affectionately known to her family and close friends, attended Castilleja School in Palo Alto and the University of Arizona where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. It was there she met Carlos "CO," and they later married on April 8, 1958, in Palo Alto.
She will forever be remembered for her generous kind heart, her willingness to stop everything and lend an ear, her wonderful sense of humor, and genuine kindness and hospitality.
While raising four boys, Carol always showed her commitment to community. She was a member of the Peninsula Volunteers where she was president in 1971 and 1972. In 1982, she was awarded the Golden Acorn Award from the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce for distinguished community service.
Friends will recall that Carol's home was always beautifully decorated. Her passion and eye for design led her to start her own interior design business, Peninsula Interiors. For over 30 years, Carol decorated beautiful homes and businesses in the Bay Area and beyond.
Carol's priority was always her family and friends, but she also had a remarkable sense of civic duty and volunteerism. Carol served as president of the Sharon Heights Home Owner's Association, a board member and chairperson of the house committee of the Menlo Circus Club from 2005 to 2010, and recently as a member of the San Mateo County Grand Jury.
Carol is survived by her husband of 56 years, Carlos O. Tinsley; her three sons, Randy (Libby) of Menlo Park; Ron (Julie) of Elk Grove; Ken (Suzi) of Menlo Park; her brothers, Richard and Donald Smith of San Diego; and 15 grandchildren.
She will be missed by those who survived her, but solace is found in her reunion with her parents and her son David, who passed away in 2009.
May 19, 2014
I was saddened by the news of Carol Tinsley's passing. Although we had never met, my good friend Betty Hilmer always spoke fondly of her as well as my daughter Marisa who dated Ken Tinsley in high school.
May 13, 2014
I was stunned to find out my friend Carol had passed! She is responsible for so many things that make our house a comfortable home, guiding me through remodels and refurbishing with her good sense of taste. I am sad that I no longer will be able to seek her advice. God's blessings to Carlos and family.