In Loving Memory of Carla Yvonne Brown Coryell. Carla will be forever remembered for her endless generosity, kind spirit and unwavering commitment to her family, friends and community. On August 10,2024 Carla lost her battle with ALS and passed peacefully at home enveloped in the arms and love of her family. Although her struggle with ALS shaped her final year, it absolutely did not define her blessed and beautiful life.
Carla was born on October 28, 1964 in Anchorage, Alaska. She was born 3 hours after her twin sister Cari and she always joked that she just needed some time alone after 9 months of being crowded. She was raised in Valparaiso, Indiana by parents Nancy and Scott Brown with her twin Cari, brother Pete and younger sisters Cathy and Susie. She lived a typical 70’s /80’s childhood full of fun, freedom, noise, and neighborhood adventures with friends that would last a lifetime. After attending Ball State and having a great time, Carla made her way to Florida to the open arms and home of her beloved grandma Gigi Swartout. While in Florida, her life took a beautiful turn when she met Doug Coryell on a blind date and they quickly fell in love and got married. Soon after, they welcomed their joyful boy Nicholas. Carla, Doug and Nick eventually found their way back to Valparaiso where they settled in and completed their family with their beautiful daughter Samantha.
Carla’s love for children led her to work as a beloved preschool teacher for a few years before settling in at Valparaiso Family Dentistry where she worked loyally for 20 years. Carla forged lifelong friendships at VFD and only stopped working when her ALS symptoms made it prohibitive.
Carla is preceded in death by her beloved grandmas Gigi Swartout and Mimi Brown, along with her beautiful cousin Kristin Williams. She leaves behind a loving husband Doug and her amazing children and the absolute loves of her life Nick and Sam. She also leaves behind her beloved parents Nancy and Scott Brown, her sisters Cari, Cathy and Susie and brother Pete.
She will be forever missed by her numerous nieces and nephews who will never forget their amazing, fun, beautiful, 80’s song lyric loving Aunt Car-Car. Carla was human sunshine. To know her was to love her. You were lucky to be in her orbit. She lived a big life jumping out of planes, swimming with sharks and going on an African safari where she lived her ultimate bucket list item of cuddling with elephants. She lived every day with her whole heart and she will be missed every day henceforth.
Carla has chosen to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be planned in the near future.
GUESTBOOK
Sorry to hear of your loss. We keep you in our prayers. -Gerald & Margaret Hawkins
Please accept my deepest condolences. Carla will remain in our hearts as our beloved Delta Zeta sister and friend. -Debra Novello
Wishing you all the peace of heart and mind as you reflect on a life well lived and well loved. Wishing you fight and resolve to help the battle against ALS for others. -Dr. Paul Sommer
I will always remember Carla as being so kind, generous and loving. My deepest condolences to Doug, Nick, Sam and the entire family. May you RIP Carla. -Traci Peluso
So sorry for your loss. I took a few minutes this morning to reflect on all our years working together. I will miss having our deep discussions at the front desk of our office. She is missed. In sympathy, -Luke Darling DDS
To the family of Carla. Greg and I send our deepest sympathy to you. We can not adequately express to you nor feel the depth of your sorrow. Carla was your daughter, your sister, your wife, mother and friend to many. She will always be remembered for her deep love of family, a phenomenal friend, and exceptional worker. It is hard to let someone go who would always light up your life. With deepest sympathy, -Greg and Jerry Kirby
I will forever be grateful for the friendship I developed with Carla ( Vfd). She was one of the sweetest people. I know . When you were around her, she brightened up the room she made you laugh, she made sure to help everyone anyway she could. I will always think of you and keep you in my heart. Rest in peace, my friend until we meet again. Love you -Theresa Gulley
Our prayers and love go to carla's wonderful family. I enjoyed working with carla for many years at VFD. She was a wonderful lady friend and co-worker she will be so missed. Love, -Jim, Gail Vargas and family
Sending you all so much louve. I am so very sorry for this deep loss. She definitely was sunshine personified. Holding you all close in my heart. -Becca Adams
Healing blessings to her family. I will greatly miss my favorite patient Love you guys! -Gwen Moore
Carla was such a tremendous person. She was so excited about her family. She adored her husband Doug and their love was such an example for everyone to see. Carla loved her children with all her heart. Nick and Sam, you had one terrific mother. My wife Karen and I feel so lucky to have spent countless hours with Carla. Carla never minced words and always had an opinion. We enjoyed her so much. Carla was the glue at the office by keeping everything loose and fun. Carla was like an older sister to me which I never had. Carla and Family please know, Carla will forever be in our thoughts. We Love You Forever Carla Coryell. -Rob and Karen Behrend
She is one of my heroes… an amazing example to all of us. She was blessed to have such an awesome family! -Lynda
I am so saddened by this news. She was a beautiful person. -Kelli Hall
I’m so saddened to hear of Carla’s passing. Sympathy and hugs to all of you. -Shannon Rueffer
