October 10, 1964 ~ September 30, 2016
Born in Sunland, California on October 10, 1964 to parents David Morvay and Marilyn Koschella, Carollee was a sweet girl with a love for everything that glittered, swirled, and danced.
The family moved to Carson City, Nevada in 1971, where she learned to snow ski, enjoyed many mountain and desert camping experiences, was active in the United Methodist Church in Carson City, participated in Girl Scouts, and
was part of the Nevada Majorettes and Drum Corps performing in many parades and competitions in the Sierra Nevada area. She developed a love for music while in high school playing the clarinet, flute, and French horn. She continued her appreciation for music as an adult, adding piano and guitar to her list of musical instruments. Recently she started playing the ukulele, one that her step-father had hand-crafted for her. She graduated from Carson High in 1982.
After graduation she spent some time in Virginia City, Nevada, working at Grandma’s Fudge learning the “old fashioned way” to make fudge. When she turned 21 she started learning the bar-tending trade. She became quite skilled at her drink mixology, honing her special brand of bar tenders’ savvy in the Reno-Sparks area of Nevada.
Carollee, as most of her family and friends’ called her, was always a big draw to any bar she tended. She had a way of looking into your soul with her big brown eyes and knowing just what you needed. She could tell you a good joke to brighten your day, was known for heaping on tons of praise on you for your accomplishments, or if need be a verbal kick in the pants if the occasion called for it. She was fond of dropping pearls of wisdom such as, Thumper’s Rule
(Bambi) “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” Carollee could swear with the best of them but could often be heard saying, “Get your poop in a group!” when it was needed.
She was a loyal friend and would give you her shirt or a hot meal if you needed it. She loved making food to warm your soul and was known for her pots of simmering goodness that she would share with all the patrons. She enjoyed
golfing, camping, and concerts. She loved being creative with glitter and glue. Carollee was also known for organizing fundraising potlucks for others in need. She was always taking care of everyone else.
Carollee is survived by her husband Danny Wildeman, their cats Cleo and Sebastian, her father David Morvay, step-mother Sharon Morvay, mother Marilyn Koschella, step-father Leo Koschella, sister Jeannie Morvay-Clayton, brother-in-law Bruce Clayton, numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, great-nephews, great-nieces, as well as countless friends.
Her laughter, smiles, deep caring nature, and the goofy faces she used to make, will be missed by us all.
There will be a memorial service for Carollee on October 8th at 11:00 AM Mountain View Mortuary, 425 Stoker Avenue, Reno, Nevada.
Celebration of Life and potluck lunch at Tiger Tom’s Sports’ Bar 1:00 PM 196 Gentry Way Reno, Nevada.
Cards and condolences may be sent to: Jeannie Morvay-Clayton PO Box 1194 Mariposa, CA 95338