Pearson, Carolyn A. 'Carrie' Pearson

Carolyn A. “Carrie” Pearson, 79, of 230 Blackfoot Trail, Iowa City, died unexpectedly at her home on June 4, 2010.

“Our mom was unconventional, often absurdly silly, unpretentious, and completely unapologetic for her quirks. She was also the most deeply caring, ever-loving, joyful, and passionate person we've ever known. She was devoted to caring for people in need, and even at 79 was a dedicated worker at the Iowa City Crisis Center Food Bank almost every week. She was stubborn and self-reliant and had insisted on painting her deck herself the Wednesday before she passed. She passed quietly sitting in her favorite chair.

Her love for us will survive the eons as will our love for her. She lived her last years in a rundown single-wide trailer, yet her love for us, her family, the needy, and all those around her – even the unlovely, was a treasure of greater value than the wealth of Solomon. She will be grieved and deeply missed by all who love her.” - Phil and Cynthia.

Carrie chose to be cremated. A memorial service is planned for mid-July at Unitarian Universalist Society in Iowa City. The day and time will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa City Crisis Center.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.

Carrie was born Dec. 13, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of William Cargill and Helen (Manss) Cargill. Growing up in Cincinnati, she graduated from Withrow High School and later received her bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati. She then went on to receive her master's in special education from the University of Iowa.

Carrie married Donald Skiff on Aug. 13, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The couple later divorced. Moving to the Iowa City area in 1975, Carrie was a teacher and director of special education for West Liberty High School. She retired in 2001. After retirement, Carrie traveled to Arizona each winter for eight years to teach profoundly and severely disabled children on the Hopi and Navajo Indian Reservation in Tuba City, Ariz.

She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society in Iowa City.

She is survived by her sister, Alicia Arn (John Arn) of Spokane, Wash.; a son, Phil Skiff (Ruth Wilson) of Waterford, Mich.; a daughter, Cyndi Skiff (Rich Goscicki) of Estes Park, Colo.; two grandchildren, Stephanie Thompson and Wendi Shannon; two great-grandchildren, Dorion Williams and Charles Thompson IV; two nieces; and her former husband, Donald Skiff of South Lyon, Mich.

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents.

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