Carol Ann Pyburn

Carol Pyburn Obit

Carol Pyburn

November 5, 1936 - November 8, 2026

Carol was born in West Bend, Wisconsin to George Hetzel and Mildred (Millie) Koenig. Carol also had a step-father; Elwood (Woody) Johnson, who was very loving and a very fun step-mother, Carol Hetzel.

Carol came to Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project with Millie and Woody. She grew up in Los Alamos and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1954. Carol married Pete Pyburn in 1968 and they built a family home together with their four children. Carol had a very successful career with the Los Alamos National Laboratory working in the Engineering /Work Order Division. She was nominated and selected for a distinguished performance award for her dedication to her career.

Carol was also very dedicated to her family and made sure the holidays were full of family, food and fun for all. She made Christmas and Easter extra special as she hosted all her family and made each family member feel extra special.

Carol got involved in volunteering with the Los Alamos Hospital Auxiliary and served as President for many years. Carol started on August 1, 1995 and had 9,482 hours of volunteer service. If you ever visited the Lobby Shop on Friday morning, you would have been greeted by Carol’s warm smile. Carol also was interested in Bridge, playing with the Lite-Bridge at White Rock Senior Center with a group of terrific ladies and also with a group of ladies who would host in their homes. She also did line dancing for a period of time.

Carol supported her husband in his plumbing and pipe fitting business and his involvement with the Los Alamos Ski School. She enjoyed skiing with family and friends, especially her good friend Dottye. Carol also gardened and enjoyed reading. Later with her vision loss, she enjoyed listening to books on tape. Carol also bowled up until the Fall of 2024 with the Tuesday Housewives League. She is remembered fondly by all her teammates and bowling ladies.

Carol is proceeded in death by her parents; her husband, Pete Pyburn; her son Mike Pyburn and daughter in law, Debbie Pyburn.

Carol leaves behind:Daughter Brenda Tapia (Mike), grandchildren; Angela (Carl), Anthony (Victoria), great-grandchildren; Shay (Alec), Aubrie, Aiden & Jax and great-great-granddaughter, Ava who brought us a 5-generation line for the fourth time.Daughter Lisa Olivas (Nick);granddaughter Nicole (Brendan);Great-grandchildren; Lilly, Hailee, Jazmine and Alex.Son; Pat Pyburn (Patti);Granddaughter Crystal; great-grandchildren; Sydney and Jimmie;grandson James (Steph); great-grandchildren; Sasha, Oliver, River; andgrandson Cory.

Services for Carol will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Los Alamos at 11:00am, Friday, November 13, 2026 followed by burial at Guaje Pines Cemetery.

In remembrance of Carol, donations can be made to the Los Alamos Hospital Auxiliary.