Carolyn Roberson Wragge
Carolyn “Carly” Roberson Wragge, a devoted educator and intrepid traveler, passed away peacefully in her La Crescenta (CA) home on June 7, 2024. Born on February 14, 1936, in Cheyenne (WY), to Colonel Gerald L. Roberson and Carolyn Roberson (née Perkins), Carly’s life was marked by a deep love for languages, teaching, and exploration.
Growing up in a military family, Carly’s formative years were spent moving across the globe, from pre-WW2 Manila to post-WW2 Germany, but also including Quebec, West Point Military Academy, Fort Sill (OK), and Fort Leavenworth (KS), where she met her future husband, Philip E. Gruber, while lifeguarding. Carly’s passion for languages led her to pursue a career as a French and German teacher, a profession she embraced throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Kansas, spending a transformative year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris.
In 1957, Carly and Phil were married in Arlington (VA), beginning a journey that took them to Munich (Germany), where she worked for Sikorsky Helicopters and teaching for University of Maryland in Munich while Phil served in ROTC and finished his doctorate. Over the years, Carly and Phil raised their daughters Valerie and Sari in various locations, including Reading, MA, as well as Munich and Tübingen (Germany), traveling and camping with great frequency. Carly pursued her academic interests, earning a master’s degree in German from Tufts University while in Massachusetts.
In 1979, Carly embarked on a new chapter of her life, relocating to Ohio for several years with her daughters before moving to Southern California to marry Johann Wragge (d. 2015). In the U.S., she continued her career in education, leaving a lasting impact on students at various schools such as The Webb Schools and Pasadena Community College.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Carly found joy in classical music, her dogs, gardening, reading, playing Mah-Jongg, and exploring the world. Her travels took her to places as diverse as Peru, Hawaii, Turkey, Soviet-era Russia, and throughout Western Europe, enriching her life with vibrant experiences and cherished memories.
Carly is survived by her daughters, Valerie and Sari (Bill), her granddaughter Katharine, brothers Gerry and Tom, and her extended family. She will be remembered for her passion for teaching, her adventurous spirit, and on occasion, showing up to her classes in a dirndl while playing French and German drinking songs on her accordion.
A private service will be held graveside for immediate family at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity.