Carole Sue Brehm was born at home on December 9, 1942, on her family's farm at Plain City, Ohio. Her parents were Hermia Mitchell and Lennie Brehm. Carole had a typical farm childhood with her share of chores.
At the age of 11, not long before the Salk vaccine became available, Carole developed polio. She was hospitalized for many months, and spent much of that time in an iron lung. Through physical therapy and hard work she regained the ability to walk, but just for short distances. She used a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
After her recovery, Carole led a normal life, graduating from high school and attending the University of Toledo. In 1963 she was injured in a car accident. While in the hospital, she met a man visiting his sister-in-law in the next bed: Jack McFarren.
Carole returned to her university studies, and Jack came to live with her family for a year. Carole completed her degree in Sociology. Carole's parents were divorcing, and in 1964 Carole, her mother, and brothers moved to southern California, along with Jack. About a year later Carole and Jack were married in Long Beach.
Carole served as homemaker while Jack completed college at CSU Long Beach. In 1970 Jack took a job with a newspaper in Chillicothe, Ohio, and four years later in Reno. It was in Reno that Carole was able to work helping clients find jobs, and she enjoyed that very much.
Carole and Jack moved to Sacramento in 1983 for Jack to work in the Gannett Capital Bureau. Through Carole's wise financial management they lived on a modest income; they purchased a house with neighbors whom they came to treasure.
Carole and Jack became members of the Sacramento Friends Meeting in July 1985. As Carole's health problems increased, she was no longer able to attend meeting. Her membership in Meeting remained very important to her. For the rest of her life she held strong Quaker beliefs, and she embodied them in her outlook and feelings.
Carole spent many years at home and in declining health. She never complained. She took an interest in life and kept up with family and friends.
Carole died at home on January 1, 2021. Her kind and gentle nature was a treasure to all who knew her. Her fortitude and grace will be an inspiration to all who hear of her.