A Life of Love, Learning, and Leadership
Dr. Carol Ummel Lindquist Olson passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born Carolyn Lockwood Ummel on Sept. 17, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio, to Clark and Carolyn Ummel, Carol was the eldest of four sisters, the matriarch of a sprawling family that has blossomed to over 35 members.
In Southern California, Carol found both professional fulfillment and the love of her life, Neil Olson, whom she married in 1983. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared adventures.
Carol’s legacy extends beyond her husband, Neil, to her loving sons, Clark Olson (Kimberly Kronk) and Alexander Olson (Jen Coleman), and her cherished grandchildren, Freya, Ronan, and Ryah. Her sisters, Allyn Ummel Kahle (Vermont), Gay Ummel (Colorado), and Larke Ummel Recchie (Ohio), were a constant source of strength and laughter, calling each other the “fristers” – friends who are sisters. Her presence and wisdom blessed a vast network of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was, as her sisters described her, the north star of the extended family – the guide that encouraged each individual to be better versions of themselves.
Carol was a brilliant scholar, graduating from Farmersville High School, Ohio in 1965 and Miami University Oxford, Ohio, in 1969 with a bachelor of arts in psychology with honors. Her intellectual journey continued at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, where she obtained a doctorate in clinical psychology.
A tenured professor at CSU Fullerton, a published author of “Happily Married with Kids,” and a respected clinical psychologist, Carol’s professional life was marked by brilliance and compassion. She touched countless people with her intuitive understanding and expertise, earning admiration and respect from students, clients, and colleagues alike.
After 22 fulfilling years at CSUF, Carol retired from teaching but continued her clinical practice in Laguna Beach up until 2021, generously sharing her wisdom and compassion with her clients. Her final professional act was ensuring the seamless transition of her patients to qualified colleagues, a reflection of her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Carol was an instrument-rated private pilot. She also dedicated herself to causes close to her heart, including domestic violence prevention, treating trauma victims and public education. A beloved member of the Laguna Beach community, she was an outspoken voice for the successful undergrounding of cables in Lower Temple Hills, pedestrian safety and was actively involved in the local schools, including SchoolPower. Even as Parkinson’s challenged her physically, her spirit remained indomitable. Daily walks down to the beach with Neil were a cherished ritual, a testament to their enduring love for each other and Laguna Beach.
Carol was a woman defined by her extraordinary capacity for love. A devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a doting grandmother affectionately known as “Bimo,” she was the heart of her family. A natural leader and the undisputed matriarch of the Ummel clan, Carol possessed a unique ability to make everyone feel cherished and included. Carol was a member of the beloved “Bad Girls,” a group of close-knit psychologist friends who shared laughter, adventures and unwavering support. These bonds exemplify the depth of her friendships and her ability to bring joy into the lives of those around her.
Her intelligence, independence, and quick wit were widely admired, and she approached every role – wife, mother, sister, friend, professor, psychologist – with unwavering determination and excellence.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation in memory of Carol.
