Carolyn Annette Bourdeau

Carolyn Annette Rear Bourdeau was born on May 28, 1940, in Minnesota. She was proud of her Scandinavian heritage, with grandparents who immigrated from Sweden and Norway. She spent her earliest years on the family farm with her parents, Idell and Palmer Rear, and her brother, Dayton, with whom she shared a lifelong bond and many cherished memories.

In 1942, during the uncertainties of World War II, Carolyn relocated with her family to San Diego, California. Housing was scarce during the war years, and for a time they lived in a small home on Crystal Pier, overlooking the Pacific Ocean—a unique beginning to what would become a lifelong love of beautiful places and new adventures.

Carolyn married John Rachow and together they raised three children: Annette, John ("Johnny"), and Matthew. The family made their home in Allied Gardens, where Carolyn balanced family life with her determination to build a career. She attended Mesa College and earned certification in hospital records administration, going on to enjoy a long and successful career as a Hospital Records Technician and medical administrator.

In 1988, Carolyn married the love of her later years, Earl Bourdeau. Carolyn cherished the bonds she formed with each member of her blended family and carried that love throughout her life.

Over the next four decades, Carolyn and Earl shared a remarkable life filled with adventure. Together they explored America in their RV, visiting historic landmarks, Civil War battlegrounds, mining towns, and ghost towns. Their travels eventually took them around the world, including journeys to France, England, Egypt, and Alaska.

When asked about her favorite adventure, Carolyn always spoke of Scotland and Norway. There, surrounded by family, she had the opportunity to visit the original Norwegian family farm of her ancestors—a deeply meaningful connection to her roots and heritage.

Yet no destination held a larger place in Carolyn's heart than Lake Tahoe. She and Earl returned there often, creating treasured memories among the mountains, forests, and crystal-clear waters. For a time, they were fortunate enough to own a second home there. Tahoe's beauty continually called to her soul, and as the saying goes, "the mountains are calling, and I must go."

While Carolyn loved travel, her greatest joy was always her family. Her brightest smiles were reserved for her children, Annette, Johnny and Matthew, her grandchildren—Alana, Allington, Alyssa, Dane, Collin, Fairen, Brittany, and Brandon—and her great-grandchildren: Titan, Brexton, Bronx, Myah, Hazel, Harlie, Nakoa, Diego and Champ.

Carolyn possessed a rare gift for making everyone feel welcomed, accepted, and part of the family. She loved a good detective novel, enjoyed painting beautiful landscapes and scenes that inspired her, and never passed up the opportunity to tackle a jigsaw puzzle, complete a crossword, or engage in a spirited game of Scrabble. She loved to sing in her church choir and a little known fact is that she was a pretty good belly dancer, too!

She had a special affection for horses and elephants—gentle, intelligent, loyal creatures whose strong matriarchal nature reflected so much of her own character.

Her creativity also found expression through her work with the San Marcos Players, where she served as Set Director. She designed and painted scenery, backdrops, and props that brought countless productions to life and delighted audiences throughout the community.

Carolyn was also an enthusiastic sports fan. Anyone who knew her knew she faithfully cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs. She would readily admit that her devotion to the team was helped, at least in part, by the undeniable charm of Travis Kelce.

Perhaps Carolyn's greatest legacy was the love she shared so freely. Carolyn touched and enriched countless lives with her effusive charm, quick wit, and unwavering kindness. She possessed a calm and steadfast heart that overflowed with love, compassion, and generosity.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her son, John ("Johnny") Rachow; her stepson, Barry Bourdeau; and her beloved brother, Dayton Rear. Though they left this world before her, they remained forever present in her heart and memories.

She is survived by her beloved husband of more than four decades, Earl Bourdeau; her daughter, Annette Brown and her husband, Jeb; her son, Matthew Rachow and his wife, Irina; her step-daughter Sheree and husband Blake, her grandchildren Alana (Kahi), Allington and wife Sarah, Alyssa, Dane, Collin, Fairen, Brittany and husband Travis, and Brandon and his wife, Stefanie; her great-grandchildren Titan, Brexton, Bronx, Nakoa, Diego, Myah, Hazel, Harlie and Champ; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love, friendship, and generosity. Her memory will live on in the stories she told, the adventures she shared, the traditions she nurtured, and the family she loved so deeply.

She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.