Carol Ann Gertrude Dillon

Carol Ann Gertrude Coultas Dillon, a beacon of faith, love, and generosity, passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations. Born on February 18, 1943, in California, Carol was the cherished daughter of Fred and Dolores Coultas. Raised in a sprawling, faith-filled Catholic family in Oxnard and later Tujunga, she grew up surrounded by siblings—Fred, Anthony, Gina, Nancy, Teri, Pete, Mary, and Colleen—and countless cousins, their stories of resilience and unity captured in a family book.

Carol’s life was defined by her unwavering devotion to family and faith. She married Bernie Dillon and raised six children—Bernadette “B” (Dillon) Santos, Carla “Barla,” Bernard “BJ,” Russell “Muscle,” Matthew “Smashew,” and Patty “Sunshine”—in San Diego, fostering love and laughter through beach outings and family trips. Her courage shone in the 1980s when, post-divorce, she relocated her family to Omaha, Nebraska, for a fresh start. There, she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in art and English literature from Bellevue University, later teaching English and ESL at Bellevue and UNO, where her empathy and firm-yet-fair style inspired students to excel.

A woman of radiant spirit, Carol’s generosity knew no bounds—she’d give the shirt off her back and apologize for its wrinkles. Her love for art and nature inspired her to paint and craft pottery, often revisiting pieces with endless curiosity. Her deep faith was evident in her devotion to scapulars, crosses, statues of Mary, Jesus, and Joseph, and her habit of bringing jars of holy water home to bless her family and house. In retirement, she crafted 720,000 rosaries with a dedicated group, each bead carrying her love worldwide. Her home was a haven, filled with “dinosaur kisses,” John Denver songs, and burnt toast slathered with peanut butter, cherished by her children, grandchildren—Jason, Krystle, Joe, Zac, Ryan, Paige, Brenden, Kylan, Lucy, Sam, Annie—and granddogs.

Carol’s heart held a special place for her son BJ, whose passing at 18 led her to find solace in butterflies, symbolizing their heavenly reunion. Her 60-year friendship with Joanne Coyle, monthly family Zoom calls, and bonds with Matt’s in-laws, the Arkos, kept her connected to those she loved. When faced with an aneurysm, Carol chose surgery, trusting she’d awaken to more family moments or join BJ in heaven—a testament to her faithful heart.

Carol’s impact rippled through her teaching, charity, and mentorship as a “second mom” to many. Her laughter, strength—she could out-arm-wrestle her kids—and grace touched everyone, from doctors to students. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, who will honor her by living with the same love and resilience she embodied.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [charity of choice, e.g., a local rosary-making ministry or ESL program], reflecting her servant’s heart. Her memory, carried in butterflies, rosaries, and our hearts, will guide us always.