Carolyn then went on to a career in teaching, first at the high school level and then for ten plus years as a college professor in the field of English as a second language. One of her greatest accomplishments has been to be a nationally ranked women’s fastpitch coach at the college level.
While spending summers in France and Italy, Carolyn became very interested in the art of wine making. In 1997 Carolyn and Fred planted a small vineyard just outside of Olympia and in 1998, she took a leave of absence from her teaching and coaching career. Carolyn began life as a “cellar rat” first at McCrea Cellars and then Andrake Cellars. In 1999 she released her first wine – the Donedei Merlot. “The name Donedei is the name of the home we rented in the south of France for several years.” The wine was reviewed as one of the top Washington wines, thus launching a second career. What started as a hobby is now distributed in 16 states and counts several interesting worldwide figures such as the King of Rwanda and the King of Spain as clients. Carolyn is the wine maker for another winery, Grand Rev, which debuts this winter.
Carolyn’s mother and father are Montana natives who met after college and ended up living in Olympia where Dorothy is still working at the age of 76 as a medical researcher. Fred has enjoyed the Montana connection, where the family has built a dream home on the Madison River, hosting friends and family throughout the summer.
Carolyn spends her time away from the winery fly fishing all over the world, searching for the perfect tennis game and traveling with her husband Fred.
“All in all, I am a very lucky lady! We will be forever proud to see the Carolyn Dorothy sailing in the family of Foss vessels. Thank you to the quality craftsmen and women of the Foss Shipyard in Rainier, Oregon. They should share in our pride.”
Joining Fred and Carolyn today are son Blake, wife Nicole, grandsons Jackson and Levi, daughter Jamie and grandson Bailey, son Paul, wife Leisa, granddaughter Aliyah, grandson Simon and Carolyn’s parents Claude and Dorothy and brother Eric.
“The name the Carolyn Dorothy is in honor of my mother, Dorothy, who was not blessed with a grand- daughter of her own. This is for you Mom!”
posted by Celanosds
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