Obituary of Carla Lynn Malvini

Amazing, Courageous, Loving, Witty, Beautiful, Lovely Carla Our beloved sister, Carla L Malvini passed from this life peacefully at her home on May 27, 2022. Carla was born to Merrill and Jewel Malvini on December 15,1961 just 7 minutes after her twin sister, Caren, in San Jose. She had 2 older brothers, Steve and Merrill, sister Julie and younger brother Mike. As a young girl she enjoyed tv, games, her dog Daisy, and visiting her Aunt Marge and Uncle George who made her feel like a princess. Carla played sports, she sang and discovered her love for the Cello. This instrument was interesting to her; she played in junior orchestra and later took orchestra music classes at Jr. Colleges and recently at Cabrillo. She enjoyed the time creating with the musicians and performing the recitals. Music allowed Carla freedom to express and appreciate and pour out love. It’s something that gave her hope and resonates, and celebrates, it doesn’t judge, it becomes part of you. Her soul required the enjoyment of music. The Malvini family moved to Aptos in 1973, Carla attended Aptos Jr. and High School. She was involved in music, cheer, softball, tennis and bowling. Carla was one of the Mariner mascots. She volunteered as a Science Camp Counselor and at Camp Krem for a summer. At AHS she made lifelong friends that always loved her. As a family we had many fun trips to Pinecrest Lake and Puerta Vallarta. Carla excelled in most things she had an interest in. She graduated with a BA Degree in Psychology from UCSC. After working full time at Mervyns, where she made friends during her college years, Carla moved to San Jose. She worked at IKON and in corporate sales in the Bay Area for Telecom and equipment companies. Carla made more friends and always enjoyed a lively nightlife: dinners, dancing, dating, parties, holidays, rock concerts, music in the park, pro sporting events, fun in SF, and many trips. Carla’s friends have told us heartwarming stories of her being helpful in their time of need, sharing hugs, a meal, and time with them when they were lonely or needed help. She lived life with impeccable fashion and passion for being in love. Carla loved the pomp and circumstance of life, always thinking outside the box or making a small event - a big celebration. She even embraced being 60! She tried to contribute in the best way she could. She loved her big family and enjoyed preparing for all the big events in life. She always knew how to show up in the latest fashion, a fascinator placed just right, with a crazy game she invented, prizes and a microphone. As much as Carla could thrive in chaos, she always pursued a sense of peace. She has the fullness of that now. Carla’s last twelve years were spent overcoming breast cancer twice and as well as many surgeries. In this often difficult situation, she would prepare and have everything organized just in case-even packing snacks and games for us to have in the waiting room. She had a knack for trying to make even that nerve racking situation a party. She would bring gifts of chocolate or wine to her doctors, appreciating their efforts. She was a grateful survivor and warrior in this arena. Her strong will and effort to rally was inspiring to those around her. She had a deep faith and spent many of her final years attending St. Joseph’s in Capitola. She did hope in God and Heaven. She understood her need for grace, forgiveness and found ways to extend it to others. Carla had lived a very full life, with a big family including many special cousins and lifelong friends who were like family. Her presence is missed here, but her beautiful spirit is well. Carla is now with her dad and mom, Merrill and Jewel Malvini who passed away. She leaves siblings: Stephen (Carla E.) Malvini, Roseville; Merrill J. Malvini Jr., Pleasant Hill; Julie (Tom) Harris, Aptos; Caren (Cher) Malvini, Sonora; and Mike (Kathy) Malvini, La Selva Beach; nieces and nephews: Angela, Michelle, Dante and Lisa, Danielle, Madeleine, Cole, Michael, Emily, Katie and Matthew; and great-nieces: Nora Grace, Charlotte, Chloe and Hartley. She is also survived by her “sissy” Amy Kennedy Jensen and many treasured friends and family who were special to her. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Second Harvest Food Bank, or honor Carla’s memory by being kind, giving grace and love, forgiving someone who needs to be forgiven, life is precious. Carla’s Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 10:00am at Oakwood Crystal Chapel located at 3301 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz, CA.