Carolyn Brockert

Carolyn Brockert of Costa Mesa, CA, legendary storyteller, world-class prankster and best friend anyone could want, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024 at age 90. Born in Keokuk, Iowa on July 21, 1934, she was a daughter of the late William and Minnie Margaret (Schmid) Rittman. Carolyn obtained her R.N. from DePaul Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. Her first job was as a charge nurse on a lobotomy unit at a psychiatric hospital in St. Louis. This profound experience forged her ambition to be a lifelong advocate for mental health patients. In 1958 Carolyn and her best friend, Merry (Parks) Jennings, moved to California. Carolyn and Merry were charter employees at the opening of Fairview State Hospital in 1959. She went on to start the Psychiatric Technician program at Cypress College in 1969 and spent over 30 years teaching and mentoring in the psych nursing field. While working at Fairview, Carolyn met the love of her life, Dr. Mike Brockert. They were married in 1963 and had a son, Michael. The family moved into their Costa Mesa home in 1971 and both remained there for the rest of their lives. In 1973 Carolyn found sobriety thanks to the assistance of a 12-step program. She remained sober over 50 years and never wavered in her commitment to living life one day at a time. In that spirit, she was also dedicated to giving back and was a true inspiration to countless others traveling their similar journey. A lifelong career in the psychiatric field gave Carolyn the unique ability to view life through the eyes of the criminally insane. This was undoubtedly the source of her wicked sense of humor and ability to enjoy life on her terms. In her spare time, she enjoyed rooting for her beloved Los Angeles Angels, a passion which drove her to frequently swear at the television. She was overjoyed when they won the World Series in 2002. Carolyn was an expert Mexican Train player (bring your money!) and always looked forward to weekend trips to Vegas. Most of all, Carolyn was an extraordinary grandmother who loved her grandchildren, Aaron and Tommianne, more than life itself. She was present when they were born in London and frequently traveled to Hawaii so that she would never miss an important event in their lives. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Mike, and five elder siblings: Margaret, George, Donald, Patricia, and Dick. She is survived by her son, Michael Brockert (Genecris) and her “second son” Charles Anthony (Tonya); grandchildren Aaron and Tomianne as well as many adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. Carolyn was especially blessed to be survived by her niece, Donna Tamboury (her “rock”) who saw to it that Carolyn and Mike were able to remain in their own home with dignity while receiving extraordinary care until their final passing. She was also grateful for the blessing of her daughter-in-law, Genecris Clark, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond of love. Finally, the family is eternally indebted to a team of remarkable caregivers who loved Grandma like their own mother: Bernadeth Maindonald, Donna Marie Cruz, Milagros Abaya and Pascuala Mangahas. “Angels from heaven,” as Grandma described them. Thanks to them, she was able to enjoy a quality of life and level of care second to none in her final years. All services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the General Service Office in Memory of Carolyn B. so that we may give strength to others traveling their path by clicking here.

Carolyn Brockert

July 21, 1934 - September 30, 2024