From NFRW President Julie Harris and Former NFRW President Ann Schockett
Carol Trujillo Hadley epitomized the spirit of our Federation sisterhood. The ultimate independent woman, mom, career woman, patriot and Republican woman, Carol was an ever-shining beacon of light who guided and cared about her family and friends and protected our nation during her distinguished service in the military and for decades in the Federation. For those reasons and more, the National Federation of Republican Women profoundly mourns the loss of our beloved sister and tireless leader.
Carol Hadley held numerous distinguished positions in the Federation and State Republican Party. In addition to her attaining some of the highest-ranking positions on the local, state and national levels, she served as President of the California Federation of Republican Women, NFRW Member-at-Large and 3rd Vice President, NFRW Region 1 and Region 9 Directors, and Advisor as well as Chair to numerous NFRW Standing and Special Committees including presently that of Chair of Armed Services. She was a founder and president of Latinas United RWF in California and is a member of the WRC of Salt Lake City, UT. Carol was an ardent supporter of the GOP and the NFRW Regents.
During last week’s 2024 RNC Convention in Milwaukee, WI where Carol attended as a delegate from California, Carol was beset with a stroke and complications. Immediately, it was our remarkable Federated Republican women who rushed to her side to help keep watch over Carol in the hospital and from afar and give support to her family until they arrived at her bedside. The family has expressed how “deeply grateful we are to Sharon Stuthard, Ann Schockett, Heidi Martin, and others for their extraordinary response and needed help.” On July 21, 2024, enveloped by the same caring that Carol has shown countless others through an outstanding life, she passed and joined her sweetheart, Jerry Hadley, in the eternities.
All who knew Carol or met her for the very first time could not help but admire her boundless zest for life. Her three greatest loves were God, family and politics. According to her family, “The two best words to describe our mother are love and faith. Because she loved God, she saw everyone as family and invited everyone into her life and home. She taught us by word and example to love our country and be involved by telling us often, “Be a doer, not a spectator.”” The shock and sadness of her passing has inspired so many whose lives she has touched in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her neighborhood and state, real estate transactions and the Federation and GOP to share personal and uplifting stories. While each account is unique, they all share the common motifs of her warmth, spirit, resilience and supreme joy.
Carol was a wise woman who was non-judgmental and forgiving. She embraced and uplifted all people, those whom she knew as well as perfect strangers. She drank in life’s moments and made the simplest encounter an important event. As focused and serious as she was in business, public service and heartfelt obligations to her faith, Carol’s cheerful countenance was always present and contagious. She had no hesitation, any time and any place, to introduce herself to anyone and, with a quick wink and smile, make an instant connection. That opened doors for her to share sincere messages of hope and earnest, so necessary in our turbulent world. She lived life “her way” and encouraged others to take a leap of faith in themselves, which is the core Mission and heart of NFRW. And with that very approach, whatever Carol has led, from innovative and impressive membership initiatives to successful fundraising events to decisive grassroots movements, has turned to gold.
Carol served the Federation under many NFRW Presidents. They join the authors of this tribute, President Julie Harris and Former President Ann Schockett, both close friends to Carol for many years, by adding their sentiments:
Former President Sue Lynch: “I am so saddened by the death of my friend Carol. Her commitment to help the NFRW and CFRW was unmatched. Always a smile on her face and heartfelt conversation about how things were going for you. She treasured her friendships with Republican women. She will be missed by many of us who knew her well and understood her undying love for America, God and Family. Rest in peace.”
Former President Ray Chornenky: “Carol Hadley – heart of so many of our hearts – was all that leaders and mentors and good friends should be. She was the first to welcome newcomers and completely draw us in with her incredible sense of humor and her sharp political intellect. Carol shared her golden touch with every part of the NFRW, she led her State Federation with ease, even the California Republican Party repeatedly benefitted greatly from her uncanny ability. How humbled I have been to walk with her as she released her mother to Heaven and held her husband as he journeyed to our Father; and then, as we surrounded her with love and with prayers when she was called home. What an honor and privilege supreme that Carol Hadley called us friend.”
Former President Kathleen Brugger: “Carol was a dedicated Federated Republican lady! Her leadership was unstoppable when on a mission for her church and family. She had an infectious smile and laugh that endeared her to all she met. Carol will be missed in all she would have liked to accomplish during the 2024 election!”
Former President Carrie Almond: “Carol was such an inspiration to us all. She loved this country with all her being which shone through in her love for the Federation. She chaired so many committees with the same compassion and values for the cause. Carol was a treasure to each of us who knew her, and she will be missed. Our hearts are heavy as we remember such an amazing lady.”
Former President Jody Rushton: “ We were blessed to work side by side with Carol. She brightened every project with her warmth and beautiful smile. We love you, Carol, and miss you, every day. May your family be comforted by knowing how much NFRW loved and appreciated you.”
Former President Eileen Sobjack: “Carol was one of the most encouraging, caring and genuine friends that I have ever known. No matter the challenge, Carol was positive and strong. She had a zest for life that never stopped, and greatly loved the Heavenly Father, family and friends. I will treasure the time we had together and the example she was to me.”
More thoughts from co-author, President Julie Harris: “Carol was a dear friend, a true patriot who always approached life’s challenges with a positive attitude and strong resilience. No obstacle was too great for her to overcome. She always found a way to continue serving our federation and members in whatever capacity was available to her. In my last conversation with Carol, she was enthusiastic about her plans for the NFRW Armed Service Committee. She was full of energy as she shared how the committee was going to do fantastic work. Carol never shied away from any task, no matter how big or small. Carol’s legacy of dedication and optimism will live on for generations to come.”
Final thoughts from co-author, Former President Ann Schockett: “The best part of public service and being a member of the Federation are the extraordinary friendships and relationships that we make and that last a lifetime. Over the past decades, our sisterhood of Federated women came to respect, emulate and love Carol Hadley. Much more than a fellow colleague, she was a sister and selfless mentor to countless women at all levels of our organization. National meetings and our vital work will not be the same without her exuberance and positivity and her unwavering commitment to what we all stand for. While Peter and I personally will sorely miss our lively, weekly calls with Carol, her staying with us after national meetings and breaking bread at our home, worshipping holidays and other events with us, and exploring the sights and sounds of NY, DC and beyond, we will forever cherish those memories. Carol was a blessing. I am grateful to her children for asking me to speak directly to her during her final hours, to recount our journey together and to let her know that her life on earth was one magnificently spent.”
Carol Hadley leaves six children, 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held in California on Saturday, August 10th. NFRW will post other details once final arrangements have been made. Her family has suggested that the best way to commemorate a life well lived as Carol’s is to “love each other deeply, fully, and without judgement; that’s how Mom lived her life and how she wanted us to live ours.” Also, they welcome our posting photos online and sharing a memory. “The comfort, peace and love we have felt already from some of you doing this goes beyond words.”
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