Carolyn Harris brightened the Magnolia community and kept its residents looking good during the 40 years that she, along with husband Bud Scheuer (dec’d. 1993), owned and operated “Carolyn’s Beauty Salon” (1959-1999). They discovered Magnolia while visiting Bud’s family, and mutually agreed that it was the perfect neighborhood in which to own a business and raise children.
Carolyn worked at the salon during the early years, but took time off to raise their children, Rick and Randi. While at home she continued to manage the bookkeeping and supply inventory, while Bud oversaw the daily operations of the salon. Wigs had become a popular trend for many women at that time, and Carolyn used it as an opportunity to keep her hands in the business by assisting women with not only the purchase of the perfect wig, but also with keeping them freshly styled using the “salon” Bud built in their basement.
After buying their one and only home in Magnolia, Carolyn and Bud decided the backyard would be an ideal space for a pool. It provided the perfect backdrop for 58 years of fun in the sun with friends, family and neighbors, and Carolyn embraced her role as a gracious hostess. Even in her later years, her backyard was her sanctuary and there was no place she’d rather be.
When looking for warmer weather in the colder months, Carolyn and Bud took their family to Hawaii for one month each year. They left their salon behind in the capable hands of their employees, gathered up weeks of homework assignments from teachers, and boarded a Pam Am flight to Honolulu.
Carolyn had a great zest for life, a twinkle in her eye, and gave herself completely to whatever she chose to do. When she took up tennis in her late forties she demonstrated her skills both on and off the court. She not only played a good game, but looked good doing it in outfits she sewed herself.
Magnolia Lutheran was Carolyn’s church for over 50 years. It was there, after losing Bud to complications of a stroke, that she met Robert Harris. They shared a mutual love of life, and in 2000 were married during the Sunday worship service. At the time of their wedding Carolyn was 74 and Bob was 82. Their two families came together as well, supporting their parents as they needed more assistance.
One of Carolyn’s proudest accomplishments was as co-founder of the Magnolia Chorale in 1989. Last spring at the 25th Anniversary concert she was recognized for the crucial role she played in getting and keeping the group going. One year later, just days before the spring concert, she slipped away peacefully. The weekend performances were dedicated in her honor.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her son Rick Scheuer, survived by husband Ret. Col. Robert Harris, daughter Randi Mezich (Pete), grandchildren Whitney and Derek Mezich, brothers Ted, James, Roland and Gerald Kauth, sisters Helen Pedersen and Geraldine Gullickson (Vern), numerous nieces and nephews, and stepchildren John and Eric Harris and Alix Bowers (Ralph) and 8 step-grand/great grandchildren.
Many thanks to all who supported, sustained and enriched Carolyn’s life during her journey. A Memorial Service will be held on June 10, 2015 at 7:00pm at Magnolia Lutheran Church, 2414 31st Ave. W., Seattle. Donations may be made to Magnolia Lutheran Church or The Magnolia Chorale.
