Carolyn Helen (March) Ferrell
July 6, 1952 – March 9, 2015
Carolyn Ferrell, a longtime resident of Sonoita, passed away on March 9 after a long illness. Born in Iowa, Carolyn was a gifted artist, sculptor, and musician. She attended the Eastman School of Music and then moved to Tucson with her husband, John Ferrell, concertmaster of the Tucson symphony and Professor of Violin at the University of Arizona. Carolyn taught music in the Tucson Public Schools, developed a thriving private violin studio, and played with the Symphony.
In addition to their musical activities, the Ferrells and trained and showed performance horses and moved to Sonoita after John retired. Here, they continued to breed and show horses, while Carolyn taught violin at the Montessori School, and both Ferrells held lessons in their home, accompanied by uninvited commentary from Carolyn’s beloved African grey parrot, Tyler.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, John, and a sister, Barbara. Pastor Chuck Carlson conducted a memorial service for Carolyn at the Sonoita Hills Community Church on March 17. Donations in Carolyn’s memory may be made to the Oasis Bird Sanctuary, 5411 N Teran Rd Benson, AZ 85602-8322