Carol Strom
Nov. 18, 1938-July 27, 2026
Pleasanton, California

Carol Georgine "Kolb" Strom died peacefully on July 27, 2026, at the age of 87. Carol was born November 18,1938, in Livermore, California. She was a third- generation member of the Kolb pioneer family in Dublin, California. She grew up on the Kolb Ranch on Dublin Canyon Road. Her childhood home was moved to Dublin Heritage Park and Museums in 2009. Preserving and passing on her family history to future generations was one of Carol's greatest sources of pride and joy. Carol graduated from Amador Valley High School in 1956. She lived and worked on the ranch until she met and married Eugene "Gene" Strom in 1957. In 1966, they built their home in Pleasanton, where Carol lived until 2025. It was there that they raised their three sons. In 1967, Gene and Carol started Gene's Village Bootery in Dublin, which became known as World of Shoes in 1977. The family business continued until 2017. Carol enjoyed travel. Taking cruises, including trips to Alaska and thru the Panama Canal were highlights. She loved genealogy, reading and working in her garden. She was also an active member of John Knox Presbyterian Church of Dublin. She also enjoyed participating in support groups such as Bosom Buddies and Swell group. She is survived by her sons, Scott Strom and his wife, Christina Strom, of Pleasanton, Casey Strom and his wife, Carol "CG" Strom, of Angels Camp; grandchildren Jessilyn, William, Danika, Keith "KJ" and Sean, along with several great-grandchildren; nephews Craig Miller and his wife, Judy, Max Miller and his wife, Ramona; and niece Janice Thrasher and her husband, Rick. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Elsie Kolb; her sister, Donna Miller; her brother, William "Bill" Kolb; and her son, Keith Strom. In 2025, Carol moved to a memory care facility in Pleasanton, where she spent her final months.