On January 25, 2022 Carol Masterson lost her battle with a long illness and passed away at her home in Carlotta. Carol was 84 years old. She was surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Carol was born in 1938 the only child of Kenneth and Leah Mast of Belvue, Kansas. After college Carol traveled a lot and finally settled in Carlotta in 1981. She worked as a lab technician at Saint Joseph’s for many years.

Shortly after arriving in Humboldt, Carol became active in the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County where she became an influential and important member of the Chapter, including being Chapter president for a few years. Carol contributed countless hours of service and vital support for many League projects. She loved the women and men of the League of Women Voters of Humboldt and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Carol was a great lover of music. She started playing piano at age three, picking out tunes to popular songs her mother would play. Carol would play many of those same songs to her mother when she came to live with her in Carlotta in 2005 until she passed in 2012. Carol and her mother Leah attended concerts and plays and went everywhere together. Carol played those same songs for so many of us at Christmas parties or other events whenever a piano would be present. She served on the Fortuna Concert Series Board, almost from the beginning in 1991, and was committed to creating a great experience of music in the Eel River Valley.

Carol met Holly Couling, whom she referred to as her daughter, 20 years ago. They hit it off and formed a strong and deeply loving intentional family.

George Ojala came into Carol’s life years after they had first met and their life circumstances had changed. They became best friends. They realized they were made for each other and got married in 2016. They were very happy.

Carol was loved for her joy and passion of life, music, theatre, politics, people, geography, gardening and love. She believed in, and modeled, participation and service. She was a great inspiration to many people. Carol will be missed.

Although there is not a date set for a live memorial at this time, The League of Women Voters of Humboldt did have a Zoom memorial and has loving memories of Carol posted on their home webpage.

If you are so moved, please consider a donation in Carol’s memory to the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County or The Fortuna Concert Series, P.O. Box 1031, Fortuna, CA 95540.