Obituary of Caroloyn Diane Rembrandt

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed on April 19th. She was a ray of sunshine and her beautiful smile and boundless optimism will be deeply missed by all who knew her.Born in Oakland on April 23rd, 1939 to Ted and Helen Maciel, Carolyn joined her older sister Marlene in their home at 1204 38th Ave. Although six years difference in age, Carolyn and Marlene shared the same birthday. This made perfect sense, as they were as close as identical twins. Sisters inseparable, they shared a magical bond.Carolyn's ancestors had deep roots in the Santa Cruz - Gilroy area, where she spent many summers with relatives while growing up. In Oakland she attended Fremont High where she joined the Nanda's and developed friendships that would last a lifetime. In the 10th grade she met Louis Rembrandt. The two would remain friends for several years before uniting in marriage at Lake Tahoe on July 17th, 1963. Over the next 50 years Carolyn and Lou would build a family and business, together along with Marlene and her husband.Carolyn was always the first to step forward and lend help or support to anyone in her loving circle of friends and extended family. Over the years there were many interest and hobbies (swimming, sewing, painting, gardening, travel, all things Portuguese!), but what she was passionate about was helping others. Once her own children were grown she went back to work for the Child Abuse Prevention Program. As a child advocate for nearly 10 years she was able to give help and loving comfort to many hundreds of children.When Carolyn became a grandmother her grandchildren became the center of her life and a source of great pride and joy. We will all cherish the many happy memories of family gatherings and vacations together.She is survived by her husband Louis, her children: Denise (John), Stephen, David (Julie), and grandchildren: Nathaniel, Pilar, Macy, Baylor, Maya, Ryan.We will forever miss her infectious laugh and loving smile. Memorial services will be held Friday the 25th at 10:00 am.They will take place at the chapel at the Santa Cruz Mission. 130 Emmet St., Santa Cruz, CA.In lieu of flowers Carolyn preferred that donations could be made to individual local chapters of the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society.