Carol Merwyn Yates

Carol Merwyn Yates

OBITUARY

La Jolla, CA – Carol Merwyn Yates passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 29, 2024. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Richard and Ellen Evans, Carol attended Lutheran High School North and later graduated from Augustana University.

After earning her degree, she began her distinguished 25-year career at IBM. IBM relocated her to Los Angeles where she forged lifelong friendships and embraced various challenges but most notably, met her greatest love, John Edward Yates Jr., marrying in 1979. Shortly after, Carol began her most beloved role as mother to Todd, Scott and Sean. Carol and John decided to move to La Jolla in 1980 where she continued to juggle a full-time career at IBM while managing to be an ever present, devoted and loving parent to three rambunctious boys. She made sure to root on the boys during their many years of sports whether it was on the field with La Jolla Baseball or in the stands at basketball and football games and yet she still had a homecooked meal on the table every night.

She loved cooking and entertaining which was evident in her delicious homemade meals and attention to every detail that made for the perfect gathering. She was always scouring Ina Garten’s latest cookbook for new recipes to serve up to her family and friends. Her grandkids especially benefitted from the tasty meals and treats she would make for them during their many sleepovers at her home.

Following her retirement from IBM, Carol continued her software career at Peregrine Systems and Microsoft, ultimately continuing her professional journey at Quidel Ortho until her passing. Carol was an active member of Torrey Pines Christian Church and taught Sunday School for over a decade. Carol also volunteered and was a board member for La Jolla Youth Baseball for many years. Her drive to stay busy and engaged was inspirational.

Carol’s generosity and thoughtfulness were felt by all who met her but especially her grandchildren which she would spoil any chance she could get. She was an incredibly special, doting Grandmother who loved nothing more than spending time with her family.

Carol and John enjoyed 40 wonderful years together before his passing in 2019. Carol leaves behind a cherished legacy of family: her children Todd and wife Amy, Scott and wife Lauren, and Sean and wife Jackie Yates and the joy of her life, her grandchildren: Drew, Owen, Emma, Nikki, Georgia, Adeline, and Evan.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in early November.