Caroline Preiss January 4, 1920 - July 15, 2020

Caroline C. Preiss

Her smile was contagious…….

Caroline Preiss was born January 4, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York to Chauncey and Catherine Cook. She died peacefully in her sleep on July 15, 2020 at Spring Creek Overland Assisted Living Center in Boise surrounded by her loving family.

Caroline attended Catholic school until her father suddenly passed away and she had to go to work at the age of 14. She worked in a laundry in Brooklyn and did homework for Macy’s, but one of her favorite jobs was being a bookkeeper at Honolulu Ironworks. She loved to travel and told of stories riding the train and buses. She loved the Saturday night gatherings at home with her family, singing and dancing. She also liked to tell the story of how she was walking home when the “Great Hurricane of 1938” hit, or her first ride in an open cockpit biplane.

She met her husband, Frank of 51 years of marriage at a concert in Central Park. They married on October 11, 1942. Caroline loved children but was unable to have children for eight years, so she borrowed her friend’s children to fill in the time. While still in New York, after eight years, Caroline became pregnant in 1950 and gave birth to, Frank Preiss (Gracie) who lives in Santee, CA; and in 1952 gave birth to Charles Preiss who lives in Ramona, CA; then moved to San Diego, CA and in 1954 gave birth to Nancy Brown (Tim) who lives in Boise, ID and in 1955 gave birth to Barbara Waller, who lives in Cascade, ID. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren so much. She loved the holidays and made her famous fruit cake made with sherry.

Caroline worked as a cafeteria worker at Lakeside Farms Elementary School until she retired. She loved all the kids and faculty. She gave special needs children a chance to do something useful and worked with them in the cafeteria. She became district president of the California School Employees Union.

Caroline loved to crochet. She learned how to crochet early in life from a friend and traveled to Connecticut to take lessons. She made hundreds of lap robes for the seniors citizens in Gooding (even though she was a senior citizen herself); baby booties, hats and sweaters. She could crochet anything. Caroline taught crochet classes in California to teachers at Lakeside Farms School. After moving to Gooding, Idaho in 1979 to retire, she also taught classes for adults at University of Idaho Extension Office.

In 2011 she moved to Boise, Idaho to be close to her daughter, Nancy and her family. In 2012, her new home became Spring Creek Overland Assisted Living. She loved everyone there, staff and residents and just thrived. We could never find her in her room or reach her by phone as she was always socializing with the residents. She became part of the Spring Creek Family. On January 4, 2020 she turned 100 years old and had quite a bash. She entered the activity room with a tiara, tutu and a “100 and Fabulous” sash on along with her smile.

Caroline’s faith was strong and she loved Jesus.

The family would like to thank Spring Creek Overland for all the love they gave Caroline. In her last days they made a special effort to make her comfortable. We would also like to thank All Care Home Health and Hospice for coming in a making her and our days a little easier.

We will all miss “Sweet Caroline.”

Caroline is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Caroline requested a private family service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer Association in Caroline’s name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.