Carol Trott

Carol Cravath Trott, born on August 26th, 1933, passed away on July 12th, 2024, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. She is survived by her adoring husband, Steve; her daughters Melissa “Missy” Lewsadder, Laurie Lewsadder, and Anne Marie McDowell; her step-daughters Christie Trott and Shelley Trott; her grandson Charlie Ellingson and Jackie Estrada; her great grandchildren Ron Danny and Emilia Christiana; and her sister, Anne Goulding, of Walnut Creek, California. Her parents were Newell “Jeff” Cravath, head coach of the USC Trojan football team, and Margaret Colgrove.

She graduated from the Marlborough School in Los Angeles and attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

Carol’s was a life of caring service to her family, friends, and community. As a young mother, Carol enthusiastically managed her daughters’ vast menagerie (including a monkey) and their activities in Blue Birds (as the group leader), Campfire girls, and Girl Friendly Society where they participated in the Candy Striper program in local hospitals. She also found time to be an active member of the Junior League of Los Angeles and the Opera board.

When Carol entered the work force, she received five White House appointments to the Department of Justice. In that capacity, she worked for Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Ronald Reagan. Her first appointment was in 1972 to The United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. After Steve became the United States Attorney in 1981, Carol liked to joke that he had come to work for her. Her last job after moving to Main Justice in Washington, DC was as the Confidential Assistant to the Associate Attorney General of the United States.

At the end of the Reagan administration, Carol and Steve moved to Boise, Idaho. Steve as a Federal Judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Carol as his Judicial Assistant. After her retirement from the court, Carol and Steve married in 1999.

While in Boise, Carol continued her devotion to others. While still working, she volunteered for the Children’s Society of Idaho, The Boise Philharmonic Association, and as the President of the local chapter of Questers. After retiring she became a volunteer for St. Luke’s Hospital’s Cancer Institute, logging in 5000 hours helping chemotherapy patients in the Institute’s infusion unit and general surgery.

When they had free time on the weekends, Carol and Steve embarked on scores of trips in her canoe, exploring the pristine waters and terrain of Idaho and Montana. She also took grandson Charlie on numerous adventures to the natural wonders of the West and to New York City to take in the Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, and a game at Yankee Stadium.

A certified Master Gardner, Carol spent the remainder of her time in her legendary Garden. The Botany Department of Boise State University frequently used her garden as part of their final student exam. The professor brought his students to her yard to identify her colorful profusion of plants and flowers.

What stands out about Carol’s rich life, however, is not only what she accomplished, but who she was: the personification of humility, trustworthiness, and compassion. She neither asked for nor expected something or even recognition in return for her generosity. Carol willingly gave, she did not take. Underneath her quiet character was steel, but it expressed itself in true love for her family, friends, and her communities. How blessed we were to have her in our lives.

Over the years, Carol stayed in touch with her extraordinary and supportive friends of the Class of 1951 at Marlborough, acting as class secretary until her hands were overtaken by Parkinson’s.

Should you be so inclined, gifts in her memory can be sent to the Marlborough School in Los Angeles, or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Though you may be gone, Carol, your spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts. Rest in Peace beautiful soul.

Carol Trott, age 90, of Claremont, California passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024.