Carolyn Adrian Bamberg's Obituary
Carolyn Adrian Bamberg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, artist, and friend, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Though the illness dimmed her keen intellect, she continued to radiate love and light. Her twinkling eyes and sparkling smile touched everyone who knew her.
A proud double alumna of San Diego State University, Carolyn earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English before completing her juris doctorate at the University of San Diego School of Law. She was a gifted educator in the Grossmont H.S. District for more than 40 years, pouring her heart into teaching AVID and AP English, mentoring student assistants, and editing thousands of college application essays.
For countless students, Carolyn was far more than a teacher. She was a tireless cheerleader and life-changer. Her motivating spirit, kindness, and humor inspired generations. She celebrated others’ dreams and sparked them into reality. As one former student shared, “Mrs. Bamberg believed everyone could be their best and worked hard to help us get there.”
Carolyn’s talents and passions were many. She was an accomplished pianist, poet and storyteller, known for lyrical verse, imaginative prose, and poignant letters. As a talented artist, her oil paintings and watercolors were showcased at the Del Mar Fair and now grace homes across the country. She had a signature bohemian style, favoring flowing attire, unique accessories, and a colorful chic all her own.
Dear friends and family members remember Carolyn as gracious, kind and a bright light, who was also sassy, playful, loyal, and adventurous. Carolyn was a faithful fan of the San Diego Padres and SDSU Aztecs. She played competitive soccer, and loved body surfing at Mission Beach and swimming in Mission Bay. Her energy and zest for life also carried into every holiday and celebration, from dressing up for Halloween and hosting extended family at Thanksgiving and Christmas, to creatively honoring every birthday and lost tooth.
She shared 51 years of marriage with her loving husband, Daniel Bamberg, and was a fiercely proud mother to her three daughters, whom she supported and inspired with boundless patience, encouragement, and love. As a grandmother to one granddaughter and four grandsons, she treasured each moment, from sports games to beach outings. Carolyn was also a devoted sister, sharing with her a lifelong love of horses and the joys of raising children. Together, they created cherished family memories, especially in Jamul, California, where Carolyn cared for her adored Connemara ponies.
Carolyn leaves behind her three daughters, Keely Bamberg, Kate Colson (Michael Colson), and Amy Colby; her five grandchildren; her sister Jo Hazard; and a legacy of artistry, kindness, and joie de vivre. She will be dearly missed for her unmatched gift for making people feel special.
A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held on the afternoon of Friday, October 10th at the Mission Beach Women’s Club (1-4pm). In her honor, please wear bright colors or a unique
Carolyn-inspired accessory, and bring a story to share, because Carolyn believed life was always worth celebrating.
What’s your fondest memory of Carolyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carolyn?
Share a story where Carolyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carolyn you’ll never forget.
How did Carolyn make you smile?
