Carol Lee Lombardo

December 19, 1939 - September 10, 2024

Carol Lombardo, 84, sixty-two year resident of Palmer, passed away peacefully in her home September 10, 2024 surrounded by family. Born Carol Lee Arnold on December 19, 1939 in Glendale, Arizona, her fondest childhood memories were Sunday family gatherings and summer camping trips to northern Arizona in the "cool air" and pines. She attended Laverne College in California, forming friendships there that would continue for the rest of her life. Graduating in 1961, she wanted to go to the farthest place she could while still remaining in the United States. This led her to Alaska, accepting a teaching position in Sitka. The following year she arrived in Palmer, teaching 7th grade English at Central School. On the night of the '64 earthquake, she was formally introduced to a young D.O.T. engineer named Frank Lombardo. They were married a year later on August 20th, celebrating 59 anniversaries before her passing.

A stay at home mother, Carol raised five children. She was a member of the Cheechakos Homemakers Club, winning Homemaker of the Year for an essay she wrote. The Club typified the sense of community she felt existed in Palmer, where members learned, shared and relied on each other.

Carol was also an avid gardener, twice winning Grand Champion prizes at the State Fair for Outdoor Grown Vegetables. Later, she learned Scottish Highland dancing and won prizes for this at multiple Highland Games.

While directing the choir at the United Protestant church, she was asked to direct the music on a local Valley Performing Arts production of Cotton Patch Gospel. Initially hesitant because it was laden with bluegrass music, of which she knew little to nothing, she nevertheless took the plunge and the experience was transforming. The show was a resounding success, leading to an extended performance run and an Anchorage Daily News review rating them on par with the professional national touring production of "Les Misérables" being performed in Anchorage at the time.

Her interest piqued, she began attending bluegrass festivals. She picked up and taught herself the banjo, the stand-up bass fiddle and proceeded to become a staple in the Alaska bluegrass music scene for the next 15 years, playing in several bands at festivals and venues across the state. During this time and for twenty years she worked as the Colony Stage Entertainment Director at the Alaska State Fair, meeting and working with over a thousand musicians from around the world.

For several years Carol volunteered at Palmer's Colony House Museum and, in Arizona, at the Clarkdale Historical Society and the Verde Valley Archaeological Center, spending many hours learning the science of accurate and detailed archiving and accession.

In 2013, Frank and Carol joined the Pioneers of Alaska. They spent two years as King and Queen of the Palmer Igloos. Carol also served two years as President of Women's Igloo #11.

"I've lived a full life. I've done just about everything I could've hoped to do. I've had my time. I'm very grateful for what I had. There's no regrets."

Carol Lee (Arnold) Lombardo, spry wit, adventurous spirit, unique soul you will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at Palmer United Protestant Church Saturday, September 21 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colony House Museum in Palmer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.