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Sunday, June 28, 2026, 2pm at the Veritas Theater, 226 Ojai Avenue #102 See below for how to RSVP.

A message from members of Carol’s care team:

During her hospital stay in February, Carol Garramone was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. She chose to begin palliative care at home on February 28th. She gathered a small support tribe, a 24/7 caregiving team, and a death doula to care for her. Her nephew Michael, whom she adored, was able to spend time with her and say goodbye.

We understand this news may feel sudden, and this may be the first time you’re hearing it. We’re sorry if we weren’t able to share updates more frequently or sooner. Throughout this journey, we followed Carol’s wishes, especially early on as she navigated the delicate balance between welcoming visitors and facing how quickly the cancer was progressing. At the center of every decision was our deep love for her and our commitment to honoring and respecting what she wanted.

Carol Ann Garramone, a retired New York City public school teacher and guidance counselor, worked with the most underserved youth in the city. She moved to Ojai 32 years ago following an early retirement, seeking a more peaceful life as the public school system underwent changes that didn’t align with her goals and passion for the most vulnerable population. She built a beautiful new chapter—creating not just a home, but a vibrant community through her deep involvement in local theater throughout the county.

Carol found great joy on the stage as an actress, bringing together talented individuals and forming lasting connections. In later years, she was a devoted audience member—almost always seated in the front row—cheering on performers with enthusiasm and pride. Her passion for the craft never waned; she continued studying acting into her 80s.

While Carol was a bright stage light, she shone brighter as a champion of young artists in the Ojai community. She was a constant presence at youth performances, rarely missing an opportunity to support aspiring actors, whether in film or theater. She took particular delight in watching young performers grow and evolve over time. She was an especially devoted supporter of the Nordhoff High School drama program and its director, John Hoj.

Carol’s effervescent joy for life and her genuine connection with others touched every space she entered. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on those around her.

The outpouring of care and concern for Carol was incredible. She deeply felt how loved she was.

Over the past week, her bright, effervescent spirit began to outgrow her physical body. She passed peacefully on March 23rd at 6:49 pm, guided by her death doula. In her final days, your messages, memories, and blessings were read aloud to her, and the flowers left at her door were used in her shrouding ceremony alongside her beloved roses.

A celebration of life will be held later in the summer in Ojai. In lieu of flowers, Carol wished for contributions to a Memorial Theater Arts Scholarship established in her name. Her greatest hope was to be remembered for her love of theater and community, and to support young people who need financial help to pursue the arts. You can donate here: https://www.nhsnpa.org/memorial-scholarships.html or they can also be mailed to the Nordhoff Parent Association, 1401 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai, CA 93023, with checks payable to “Nordhoff Parent Association” and the “Carol Ann Garramone Memorial Theater Arts Scholarship” in the memo line. Donations are to a non-profit 501 (c)3 and are tax-deductible.

Fidget Books – OVWC Board members Judy Murphy and Carina Solecki displayed one of the recently created books at our last meeting, Judy Murphy gave an update on the project and showed some of the completed books. We were approached by the Community Memorial Hospital-San Buenaventura and Ojai Valley Community Hospital to create these books for their patients under severe stress.
Kits were assembled by a large group of volunteers at the last Hand Stitching Group meeting, with items that were purchased and donated and volunteers took the kits home to assemble them. It was a successful start to an ongoing project, and Judy will be seeking feedback from the Hospital for this first stage. Many members volunteered and will be making the Fidget Books and blankets led by Judy Murphy with assistance from Suzanne Shaffer.

March 21, 2026

Fidget Book Update

As I told the Ojal Valley Community Memorial Hospital OVCMH and the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club OVWC Board, our initial goal is to deliver 10 fidget books per month. I suspect their need is much greater, but I do not want to over promise and under deliver! Our first delivery took place this week and we sent them our first 12 books. Yay!  I expect feedback about what works best etc. which I will pass on to you.

Some of you open your machine and whip a couple out at once (well, maybe not “whip”).  Others take a bit longer, but I am told the second one is much easier than the first.  I would like to know if each of you can commit to making at least one/month?

We just picked up a ton of new fabric from Teresa’s quilting club so we have supplies to last!  And she took 5 kits to give to her seamstresses!!  (We are searching for more seamstresses so please let me know if you have any suggestions.)  It is so cool to know that one distressed patient, their caretaker and the medical personnel all benefit from your effort. And I am told that fidget books often become like security blankets for these patients.

Sincerely, Judy Murphy 

These are a few examples from the annual program booklets that were published by the local newspaper, The Ojai. These booklets included; an annual motto or theme, a message from the president, listed the members, committees, programs for the monthly meetings, members names and addresses, some included bylaws, some also included advertising sponsors.

1950 President’s Message “Your Club Year is ready to begin. With the knowledge that our nation is facing a period of severe strife and unrest, both internally and internationally, we do not have to go outside of our own community to help. Let us be good citizens and help shoulder some of the responsibilities that come in times of such emergencies. Its not so much what we do in this world that counts as HOW we do it. While we are aiming for perfection it is well to remember that perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things but in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. This little book is the Key to your Club Year USE IT, My deepest gratitude to all who helped compile our yearbook. My wish for you is one of health, happiness, and peace. Most sincerely, Mrs. H. Waite Gerry”

We are proud to be included in the current Ojai Museum Exhibit,  open January 15 through April 5, 2026.