Carmen Rose Hollinsead peacefully entered the embrace of her Lord and Savior on January 16, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on June 9, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, she graduated from Fremont High School before dedicating her life to family and service. In 1968, she and her beloved husband, Kenneth Hollinsead, moved to Crescent City with their three daughters, where they built a life centered on love, faith, and community. Both Carmen and Kenneth devoted their careers to Del Norte County Social Services, retiring together in 1980, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and commitment.A gifted artist, Carmen found immense joy in painting and was a treasured member of the Harbor Art Gallery, where her talent was frequently recognized. Her award-winning artwork adorned local exhibitions and the courthouse, and she delighted in nurturing creativity in young minds through DNACA’s Artist in the Classroom program.Music was another of Carmen’s great passions. A dedicated piano teacher, she shared the gift of music with countless students and played for many church congregations. As a skilled violinist, she performed for years with the Curry Del Norte Orchestra and brought theater productions to life in the orchestra pit of the Lighthouse Repertory Theatre. Her love for the arts extended beyond performance - she found joy in attending concerts, dance recitals, and theatrical productions, always eager to support and celebrate the creative spirit in others.A lifelong learner and adventurer, Carmen chronicled her travels in beautifully detailed journals. She had a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and Haiku, writing and illustrating three Haiku books that received numerous accolades and were cherished by those who encountered them.Carmen embraced life with an open heart, whether cruising through the Caribbean, savoring new cuisines, or simply delighting in the beauty of everyday moments. Yet, above all, her greatest joy was her unwavering faith in Christ, a light she shared with all who knew her. She often spoke of angels guiding her through life’s challenges, always finding peace in the knowledge that Jesus was leading her home. Her warmth, humor, and loving spirit will be deeply missed but forever cherished.A celebration of Carmen’s life will be held at First Baptist Church on February 26 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local art program of your choice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });