Obituary of Caryl Ann Gordin Solomon

Caryl Gordin Solomon, age 96, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2022 in Roanoke, Va.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Arthur C. Solomon who passed in 1987. She is survived by Jill Solomon Hardy, Peggy ( Solomon ) and Mark Jopling, Robert Solomon and Becky Fritz, and her grandchildren Jake (and Meredith ) Jopling, Zach Jopling, Raechel Solomon, Noah Solomon, Lauren Fritz,  Sydney Fritz  and great grandson, Dustin Jopling.  Caryl’s loving twin brother, George Gordin Jr.. (2016) and sister, Gertrude Gordin (1981) preceded her.  She leaves behind her cousin and best friend, Nancy Krisch.

Caryl was born in Allentown, Pa. and graduated from Syracuse University in 1945 at age 19.  She married Arthur Charles Solomon in 1947 and taught while he was in Podiatry School.  In 1948 they moved to Roanoke.

Caryl considered herself a Humanist - affirming the dignity of each human being, supporting individual liberty and promoting social and environmental responsibility. Caryl was an admirer of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She promoted tolerance and inclusivity.  She was proud that her mother was active in the fight for women’s suffrage.

Caryl was past President of Temple Emmanuel Sisterhood.  She volunteered reading to the blind, visiting the V.A. Psychiatric patients, teaching students to read and she wrote articles for the Brandon Oaks Acorn.

Caryl loved gardening, birdwatching (joining the Roanoke Bird Club in the 1970s), reading, playing golf, the arts, playing duplicate bridge and world traveling.  She was a life master bridge player and loved to travel with her sister Gertrude, her devoted twin brother, George, as well as her children and grandchildren.

Caryl was proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.  She loved spending time with family and friends.  She provided a great role model as she was tenacious, well organized and a woman of integrity.  She had a dry and witty sense of humor and her memory amazed everyone.

Caryl was always physically as well as mentally active.  In addition to playing golf until 87, she completed a 5k for breast cancer awareness in her mid 80’s with her son, Robert.  She played bridge into her 90’s.  Up until her final days she could be seen daily walking loops around Brandon Oaks, admiring the flowers and chatting with friends and dogs along the way.

The family wants to give a special thanks to her loving caregivers, Brenda and Judy and the entire team at Brandon Oaks as well as Good Samaritan Hospice.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Caryl’s life on Sunday, Oct 9, 12 PM at Brandon Oaks Life Plan Community chapel, 3804 Brandon Ave, Roanoke, VA, 24018.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Ram House, Rescue Mission of Roanoke or Habitat for Humanity.