Caroline Sarah Gadsby

Caroline Sarah Gadsby went to see Jesus on March 29, 2023. She was 90 years old and passed away peacefully in her home in Santa Barbara, California.

Caroline was born on February 14, 1933, in Santa Barbara to Fred and Jane Thielicke; the best Valentine’s gift in the history of the world. Caroline married Arthur Overeem and they had three children together; Kathryn Ericson, Karen Johnson, and Jeff Overeem. Caroline and Art had a wonderful 17 years of marriage before he passed away at the young age of 36. As a single mother, Caroline began her career as a Student Counselor to support the family on her own. It was at Goleta High School that she met, and subsequently married, Hewson Gadsby. They were married for 38 years when Hew passed away.

Caroline was a strong woman who passionately loved her family and friends. She attended church regularly and volunteered countless hours happily gardening on church grounds, a craft she perfected in her own gardens at home. She also loved to travel and felt very fortunate to have seen much of the world, both from the windshield of her own motorhome and while occasionally joining her son Jeff as he sailed around the world.

Caroline was predeceased by both of her husbands, Art and Hew, as well as both of her daughters Kathy and Karen. She is survived by her son Jeff, four granddaughters, six great-granddaughters, a great-grandson and two great-great-granddaughters.

Caroline demonstrated a life of courage, kindness and fortitude. She never wavered from her principles but was always willing to listen to reason. She lived what she believed as she was always generous, selfless and the first to drop what she was doing to help her loved ones. Caroline loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength – executing well the first commandment from God. She will be greatly missed, yet we rejoice knowing that she is in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ and all of her loved ones.