Carol Thompson Fries, Class of 1952

Carol Thompson Fries ’52 died on Oct. 25, 2021. She was born on Nov. 2, 1930 to the late Ralph and Alice Thompson in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from Western Hills High School in 1948 and went on to attend Otterbein University where she studied education and was a member of Epsilon Kappa Tau (Arbutus) sorority.

She was teaching when she met and married Charles Fries in 1951. Carol and Chuck moved to California in 1952 and built a family and highly successful business in the entertainment industry. Carol was instrumental in her late, ex-husband’s long career which included producing over 5,000 series episodes, 140 television movies and miniseries, and 40 theatrical films. Carol established a solid family foundation and community in Beverly Hills for nearly 40 years. She created and organized fairs, festivals, graduations, and extra-curricular programs. Carol always made time to help others and contribute to charities over the years. She was the president of Neighbors of Watts (NOW) in Los Angeles, California, raising money for schools, families, and community enrichment programs. Carol was constantly involved in fundraisers and spearheading many events that supported the local communities where she lived. Carol migrated to Ojai, California from Beverly Hills, Laguna Beach, Hollywood Hills, and Carpinteria to live in a peaceful and spiritual location.

She was preceded in death by her brother Robert Thompson and son Thomas Fries (Debi). Carol is survived by her seven children Charles Fries (Jonna), Suzanne Fries-Hostka, Christopher Fries (Heather), Dyanne Fries, Mike Fries (Michelle), Alice Fries, and Jonathan Fries (Lena); 18 grandchildren; and 13 greatgrandchildren.