Obituary of Carolyn A. Bries

On the night of December 1st, 2011, the angels came and took Carolyn home to the Lord where she is at peace. Carolyn was born on September 17, 1931 to Henry C and Alice C. Wedemeyer in Lihue Kaui. She graduated from Kauai High School and attended the University of Hawaii. She moved to San Diego in 1949 and received her Nursing Degree from San Diego County Hospital of Nursing. Soon after moving to Los Angeles for work, she met Jim Bries, married and relocated to Santa Barbara where she worked 15 years for UCSB Student Health Center. Carolyn went back to school at Arizona State and Brigham Young Universities earning her degree as the first geriatric nurse practitioner in Santa Barbara after which she went to work for Samarkand, where she retired after 28 years of service. Carolyn devoted her life to the care of others, was beloved by her patients, co-workers and friends. She was also a quiet contributor to countless charities, many of which supported the betterment of animals. As a talented cake decorator, her beautifully designed wedding cakes, colorful birthday creations and Christmas candy trains brought great joy, smiles and lots of laughs to many. Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Jim and her brother. We wish a special thank you to everyone at Goleta Valley and Cottage Hospitals, Sansum Clinic, Valle Verde and Samarkand for all their kindness, care and support of Carolyn, a lovely soul who will be missed. "Aloha" A memorial will be held at the Samarkand Chapel on January 18th at 2pm with a reception to follow. In Leiu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara Humane Society.