Carolyn Staats Obituary

CAROLYN K. STAATS Carolyn K. Staats, respected clinical psychologist, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023. She was 91 years old. Carolyn was the eldest of the three children of Irving and Claire Kaiden. Carolyn's elementary years were spent in New York. As an early teen, she worked as a soda jerk in her father's store. In her mid-teens, the family moved to Los Angeles. Carolyn, an excellent student, earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at UCLA. She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the most prestigious academic honor society in the U.S. While at UCLA, Carolyn met her future husband, Arthur Staats. In their early careers as Assistant Professors at Arizona State University, they co-authored a textbook. Upon the move of the family to Hawaii in 1966, Carolyn opened a private practice of clinical psychology and she helped hundreds of people throughout her career. Carolyn and Art built a family that focused on love, humor, health, and education. Carolyn was a wonderful working mother to two children. In later years she loved nothing more than being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; her face would light up whenever she spoke of them. Carolyn had many cherished friendships that spanned decades. She was intelligent, kind, a wonderful listener, and had a beautiful smile. Carolyn is predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Arthur, and is survived by daughter Dr. Jenny (Dr.Chuck) Kelley, son Dr. Peter (Dr. Nancy) Staats, grandchildren Jane Kelley (Alec) Schumacker, Robby (Christina) Kelley, Alyssa Staats, Dylan Staats, Rachel Staats, three great-grandchildren, brothers Ronald (Suzie) Kaiden, and Stuart (Sandy) Kaiden, and many nieces and nephews. Carolyn's family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Kahala Nui for their excellent care during her last years. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Hawaii), or The Arthur and Carolyn Staats Endowed Legacy Fund at Punahou School. Private Services Pending. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary