Community Mourns Loss of Carolyn Hacker, 87, from Alzheimer’s

Carolyn Mailliard Hacker, aged 87, of San Rafael, California, passed away on November 21, 2025, due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Her lifelong dedication to family, community, and the arts has left a significant impact on those who knew her.

Deep Family Roots and Community Engagement

Born in San Francisco in 1938, Carolyn was the eldest daughter of J.W. Mailliard and Margaret Field, as well as the first granddaughter of Ward and Kate Mailliard. Her family’s deep connections throughout the Bay Area, particularly in San Geronimo, Cotati, Yorkville, and San Francisco, shaped her formative experiences. Carolyn’s early childhood was marked by travel due to her father’s military service in the United States Army during World War II.

After the war, the family settled back in San Francisco, where Carolyn attended KD Burke School and Katherine Branson Girls School, later graduating from Connecticut College for Women. In 1963, she made San Rafael her home, where she would reside for over six decades.

A Life of Passion and Service

Carolyn’s passions included gardening and knitting. She took great pride in her garden, winning numerous awards at the Marin County Fair for her stunning floral displays. Additionally, her dedication to genealogy saw her actively researching and preserving her family’s history, ensuring future generations would remember their roots.

Her commitment to community service was evident through her volunteer work with the Miller Creek Elementary School District and the San Rafael City Schools District from 1972 to 1980. Carolyn believed in giving back, demonstrating her support for the education system and the community she cherished.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Paul Hacker, and their children, Barbara and Lyn. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Andrew, Chris, Emily, Amanda, and Kevin, as well as her great-granddaughter, Jocelyn. Two sisters, Kathy and Margot, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, also honor her memory.

A Celebration of Life is planned to coincide with Carolyn’s birthday and Mother’s Day in May 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the San Rafael Public Library Foundation or the Marin Humane Society, reflecting Carolyn’s lifelong love for both education and the community.