Carol Cadina

Carol Louise Cadina

Carol Louise Cadina, 68, passed away surrounded by family on March 11, 2017.

Carol was born in 1948 in Whittier, California to her birth parents Dorothy Russell and Ray Wilson. From birth she was little in size but her determination to live was larger than life. Her father preceded her in death at a young age of 5. She was adopted at age 15 by Ralph and Viola Jefferson who introduced her to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was later baptized a member of the church. One of Carol’s greatest strengths was her faith and testimony in her Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

Carol attended college at BYU Hawaii at age 18, where she met her soon to be husband, Dwayne. They were married on Oct. 28, 1967.

Carol and Dwayne spent a significant portion of their marriage in Payson, Utah growing and raising their 9 children. Her greatest desire was to offer as many children as she could a safe place to live. They opened their heart and home to more than 60 foster children.

While Carol was raising her children, she also dedicated her time to serve in many callings within in her faith, including Relief Society President. She served as the President of Utah State Foster Parent Association (1991-1994), created a non profit organization, Kuddle Kids, that provided services to abused children, received her Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Special Education (BYU 2000), and much more. She was recognized as Woman of the Year in Utah (1995) and also Angel of Utah County (2001).

Carol suffered 3 years ago what was seen as a devastating stroke, yet she found joy. She constantly graced those who cared for her with her sense of humor and her gratitude for their service. She focused her energy on hope and faith. She left us with a legacy of determination to always see the good in our life.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband Dwayne. Her children and their spouses: Kelly (Fernando Piraquive), Cynthia (Dave Hatch), Sean (Rachelle Cadina), Kevin (Emma Cadina), Deborah (Robert Ingles), Cindy Cadina, James Cadina, Paula Cadina; and grandchildren: Roland, Winston, Diana, Diego, Morden, Daniel, Craig, Nathan, Ashton, Samantha, Kaitlyn, Jackston, Taylor, Kaipo, Cole, Cutler, Kiley, Carson, Cody, and Grace. She was preceded in death by her daughter Tamara (Tom Schoeneweis), her birth parents Dorothy Russell and Ray Wilson and her adoptive parents Ralph and Viola Jefferson.

Services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Bountiful Shadows LDS Ward, 1476 North 300 West  Bountiful, Utah 84010. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Memorial Services at 11:00 a.m.

Note: In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions would be appreciated to pay for funeral expenses through the following website: https://www.gofundme.com/carol-cadina-funeral-services