Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
Carrie Dianne Lehman-Wilson passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 30th after a long battle with her health. She touched many lives with her kindness and compassion.
Born in Walnut Creek California to Robert and Claire Lehman, Carrie was the youngest of 4 siblings (older brother bruce, and twin sisters Cathy and Cristy). She was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma when she was only 12 and spent many days at Children’s hospital in Oakland with her mother (Claire) by her side. Carrie eventually overcame childhood cancer and went on to enjoy her youth in Alamo. She had a great love for sweets, riding bikes, and of course Michael Jackson and Sean Cassidy! Carrie actually won a Coca Cola contest after Claire filled out all the entries from their local supermarket (we are pretty sure this was against the rules). She was flown to Los Angeles to see Michael in his Victory tour. After graduating from San Ramon Valley High School, Carrie attended Saint Mary’s college of California and received her degree in child psychology. She later went on to get her teaching credential, the start of an amazing 31 year career teaching Elementary School.
During a Halloween party Senior year at Saint Mary’s Carrie met her eternal best friend and the love of her life, Michael. The pair married in 1988 and welcomed their first child, Amanda, in 1992. Soon after, they moved to Martinez, California and were blessed with their second child, Ryan, in 1998.
Carrie’s children (both blood-related and not) were the center of her life. She adored them, and they adored her in return. She spent most of her professional years teaching Kindergarten and first grade at Vista Grande Elementary School in Danville, where she was known as the “bear” teacher. She loved collecting teddy bears and had several in her classroom!
Carrie had a great love of theater and the arts. She loved seeing performances of any kind, but especially when they involved her kids. She was exceedingly supportive and remained an active member of the Alhambra High School Drama Boosters long after her kids had graduated. Carrie was also heavily involved in her Church and regularly attended a Mom’s in Prayer group. She loved to be social and host /attend get togethers and parties as often as possible!
Her family hosts an annual “Meet the Grinch” event during the holidays where Carrie could be seen by the Grinch’s side handing out green candy canes in front of a fully decked out home!
She loved the holidays, being festive, and seeing the magic reflected in childrens’ eyes. A truly selfless individual who spent the majority of her time here helping and supporting others.
Carrie recently found out that she had complications from radiation during childhood cancer that impacted her heart and caused a slew of frustrating symptoms. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now fully healed, restored, and safely in the arms of her Heavenly Father and reunited with her mother, father, and sister (Cristy).
She is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Michael; daughter Amanda; son Ryan; brother Bruce; and sister Cathy and family.
Carrie’s nurturing nature, light, and boisterous laugh will be missed by all who knew her. Her loving memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Carrie on Saturday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Morello Hills Christian Church, located at 1000 Morello Hills Drive, Martinez, CA 94553.
