Carol Jean Mcdermott

Beloved Wife, Mother, and Nana – Carol Jean McDermott - passed away on August 7, 2023 from complications of liver disease (NASH), at the age of 78 while still residing in Westminster, CA.

Carol is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Marnie and Michael Woods and Carrie and Ralph Ruffalo; her daughter-in-law, Delores Loya McDermott; her three grandchildren, Megan Woods Spillers, Casey Woods Stehly, and Monty McDermott; and her four great-grandchildren, Zoey Spillers (5), Riley Spillers (2), Finnley Stehly (1), and Leilani McDermott (6 months.) Carol is preceded in death by her spouse of 54 years, Montclair (Monty Sr.) McDermott, and her son, Monty McDermott.

Carol was born on January 12, 1945, to George and Gwendolyn Walter in Los Angeles, CA. Her parents later moved to a home in Long Beach, CA where Carol spent her youth and teenage years. Carol attended Millikan High School in Long Beach. She was an excellent student and enjoyed synchronized swimming. At age 17, she married the love of her life, Monty Sr., at St. Maria Goretti’s Catholic Church in Long Beach. Carol completed her diploma at night school within the first year of being married. She subsequently gave birth to her three children (Carrie – 1963, Marnie – 1965, and Monty – 1968.)

Carol and Monty Sr. spent their lives creating incredible family experiences for their children. Carol attended all her children’s school and athletic events. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, team mother, and took on many other roles in her children’s lives. She was deeply happy when all three of her children married and pursued their life passions.

After her children were a little bit older, Carol began a long working career at McDonald Douglas Aircraft, Long Beach City College, Campfire Boys and Girls, and St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. She was passionate about helping others and excelled in everything she did. Carol decided to go back to school in her mid-40’s and earned an associate degree from Long Beach City College with almost all A’s in her subjects. She was getting ready to transfer to Long Beach State University to work toward a bachelor’s degree when she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease at age 50, which played a role in causing many of her subsequent medical problems.

Family was everything to Carol, and she spared nothing to make sure each member of her family felt loved and supported. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She made all Christmases seem magical and loved nothing more than giving to others. She went out of her way to make sure all children who visited had something from “Santa.” Being generous and thoughtful was just her way – she even remembered the dogs at Christmas.

Carol shared her husband’s passion for St. John Bosco High School football, especially when her son started working there and eventually became SJB’s athletic director. She befriended many people at SJB and was always treated as a member of the SJB family. Like her son, Monty, Carol was and will always be a Bosco Brave.

Carol and Monty met their closest friends, Al and Bobbi Windes, at SJB. They spent years sharing SJB athletic and community events along with vacationing in the Sierra’s and Pacific Northwest together. These were some of Carol’s most precious memories. Carol also loved attending Bible studies with her dear long-time Campfire friend, Sylvia Fedak. She enjoyed water aerobics and all her friends at the Los Alamitos Aquatic Physical Therapy Center. Carol’s library of movies could compete with the Academy. She loved films, especially classic movies. She was extremely happy while shopping, especially getting gifts for her loved ones.

Mostly, Carol loved and cherished her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her world. She and Monty Sr. touched thousands of lives with their extraordinary love and kindness. All were welcome in their home and the McDermotts were loved by all who knew them.

Carol and Monty Sr. lived in the Long Beach and Los Alamitos areas for many years until Monty Sr. got sick and passed in 2016. Carol spent over a decade caring for her husband, while working full-time. After Monty passed, Carol moved to a senior apartment complex in Westminster and lived there from 2016 until the date of her passing.

Carol was an extraordinarily strong woman who weathered many difficult storms in her life. She lost her father at a young age, followed by the loss of her only brother at age 36. She spent many years as a caregiver for her mother and husband. Carol’s most challenging life battle was losing her son, Monty, last year. Despite her numerous personal and health challenges, Carol’s faith in God never wavered.

Carol will live on in the lives of all those she touched. There is no way to adequately capture and describe Carol’s goodness and generosity. She is the best mother one could ever have. Her grandchildren loved their Nana. Carol was always there for them no matter what the circumstances. She was a great listener and uplifted others with her support, kindness, and strength.

She will be missed by so many. Carrie and Marnie, along with their families, will be forever grateful for the years of love and support given by each of you who crossed our mother’s path. Through God’s blessing, Carol passed away peacefully and without pain and is now renewed in Christ’s glory as she reunites with her husband and son. It has been said that a mother’s love transcends all boundaries. Our mother’s love did exactly that.

Carol’s Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 8, at St. Kilian’s Catholic Church in Mission Viejo. The family would like each of you to know how grateful we are for the blessing of your friendship, prayers, and love. In memory of Carol, we ask all to celebrate each moment to the fullest and to share your love with others each day.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401