Carla W. Roland, 71

Carla W. Roland, 71, beloved wife, mother and “nana," went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, July 9, 2023. She was surrounded by family in her home and at peace as the dreaded cancer made her take her last breath.

Carla was born in Louisville, Ky., to Carl and Lura Wilburn in December 1951. After graduating her high school’s accelerated learning program, she attended the University of Louisville School of Music. She met Vincent on Valentine’s Day 1968. They married in December 1972 and moved to Sunnyvale, Calif., where Vince began his 34 year career with Hewlett Packard Company. Their first son, Philip, was born in September 1982. In 1984, they moved to Spokane, Wash., where their second son, Gregory, was born in December. Carla was of the belief that “well-behaved women seldom make history," and enjoyed motherhood and social life with friends to the fullest. She successfully defeated breast cancer in 2003. That same year, Gregory met his future wife, Kelly. In December 2009, Carla became a grandmother to Emmalee, whom she loved more than life. Two years later, the family welcomed the second and last grandchild, Evelynn, a beautiful young lady who resembled her grandmother. In 2015, Philip met his beautiful wife, Tina. They were married in October 2016. She spent her last eight years amidst family and teaching piano and voice lessons. On June 1, 2023, she received her cancer diagnosis and rode a whirlwind for the next 39 days. The last week, her children and grandchildren were able to come back together with her and it extended her survival. She passed peacefully surrounded by her whole family into the Lord’s loving embrace.

Throughout her life, Carla drew energy from music and gave joy to others by sharing it. Even in adolescence, she was involved in church music, whether it was choral, piano or solo work. She was in the Spokane Symphony Chorale 20 years ago and has been an enthusiastic member of Chorale Coeur d’Alene since 2016.

She lost her beloved dad in 1965, and her mother in 2005. She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Vincent; two sons and daughters-in-law, Philip (Tina) and Gregory (Kelly); and two granddaughters, Emmalee and Evelynn.

Celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 4320 S. Conklin St., Spokane, WA 99203, with a reception following.

Flowers and cards can be sent to the church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to the Hospice of Spokane in Carla’s name. All donations will be matched by the family.

Please share your memories of Carla on her Tribute Wall at www.HennesseyValley.com.