Carol Jean Matthews (nee Harlan), 78, a native Californian and a resident of Manteca for more than 50 years, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2010, at her home in Manteca. Carol was born on July 15, 1931 in Compton, California to the late Marion and Clara Harlan.  The Harlans are a pioneer family with very deep roots in California.  Historical records show that they came West in 1846, and were the last party to cross the Sierra Nevada safely into California that year, ahead of the ill-fated Donner party.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband James Ransom Matthews II, and her brother, Richard Ames Harlan.  She is survived by her brother, John Harlan of Oregon, her son, John Allen Matthews of Galt, her daughter Laura Jean Matthews Allen, and Laura’s husband Paul Allen, of Pleasanton.

Carol’s loving grandchildren are Donald James Allen and Nicolette Charlene Allen.

 Carol graduated from Bishop Johnson College of Nursing, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, in 1954.  She worked as a Registered Nurse for over 35 years in various medical offices in the Modesto area, committing herself to Dr. Hatch’s medical practice for the last 10 years of her career.

Carol was a devout and highly dedicated member of the Baha’i Faith in Manteca. She served on the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Manteca for more than 30 years.  She loved and served her Baha’i community steadfastly, and thought of them as her second family.  She was an active member of the Buffalo Contingent of Manteca High School, and her beloved “Tuesday Group,” that met every week for decades.

Before Carol’s husband James passed away in 2003, they enjoyed traveling together all over the United States, enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature.

Carol was a dedicated and enthusiastic Cal Football fan.  She was an easy-going, joyful, and social person who loved her many friends and always cared about others. She was extremely generous, always giving with a joyful heart. She loved a great joke and in turn she enjoyed passing on that great joke with lots of laughter and enthusiasm. To remember Carol is to remember her for her zest of life, her spirit of adventure, her caring and her unconditional love that she always passed on to others. She will be missed deeply.

Mrs. Matthews’ services are being handled by P.L. Fry & Son of Manteca. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 1 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Family Chapel, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. An online guest book is available for special messages and condolences to the Matthews family at www.plfryandson.com.