Carol Westlake, President, LA ACCW

October 6, 2023

by Martha E. Escandon, Chair, LA ACCW Public Relations

Who could have guessed that our beloved President Carol Westlake was born on December 25th? She says she has "always been fond of celebrating Jesus' Birthday too!" She is of Italian descent (her grandparents are from Rome and Naples), and she was raised celebrating the Holidays with a loving tradition of a large Italian feast with her family and relatives singing, laughing, loving, and enjoying each other.

When asked what is her fondest childhood memory in regards to Our Lord, and Our Blessed Mother, she replied, "My experience with Our Lord was when I made my First Communion at Saint Mary’s Church in Ohio - dressed in white and devoted to Him. Seeing the large Crucifix and realizing at the age of eight just how hard it was for Jesus, I still remember crying every time we went to mass." “Later in the 8th grade, a Dominican Sister taught me to play the piano, and I was allowed to share her experience with Our Lady of Fatima. It's hard to explain the feeling I felt telling her story about the long journey she and her family made.”

President Carol grew up in San Gabriel with her parents and was married at Saint Teresa Church, their parish in Alhambra. She and her husband Jack were both very active in the Catholic Church for years and it was God who became their matchmaker as they met when Jack was President and she was 1st Vice President of a large group of singles in their parish. They became a beautiful family with four boys, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and their black labrador, Moses. She lost her son Mark about two years ago. Sadly, he suffered from Kidney disease and a heart attack. Now, she enjoys the fruits of her nine grandchildren. To date, she and her family still treasure some of their most fondest memories -the cherished family trips they enjoyed at Big Bear Lake. Spending weekends and summers fishing, boating, and relaxing in God-given beauty.

President Carol was also fortunate to have had the opportunity to continue to be a part of the Catholic Church since she and her husband were both very active. She shares that her journey “was to continue to be supportive and a servant to my church and the Catholic School at Saint James the Less Church in La Crescenta. While active, I served on the School Board and completed tasks while my four boys attended.” From School Chair serving hot dogs to all the children, she also became President of the Women’s Club, and Alter Chair “while making sure the church was clean and ready,” she adds. She reminisces about all the wonderful experiences and memories she shared with so many special times with the pastor and women of faith.

Not only was she very active in her parish, but also ensured that her sons achieved the best Catholic education they could have received; all of her four boys graduated from Saint Francis High School in La Canada. There she encountered the Capuchin Family and again became very active. She was asked to become active with the Women's Guild of Saint Francis High School by Father Lawrence Caruso. She shares, “It was my first encounter with the Capuchins. My husband was happy to be a part of this community and wanted to serve. While my life changed and I became a widow with four boys, their encouragement and care gave me hope to survive my new life. I am so grateful to the Capuchin community and all of the Friars for being a special part of my life.”

When asked how she encountered challenges and daily struggles as a mom and a professional woman, she humbly stated that her goal of being a mom and father at an early age was simply to survive. Each new day allowed her to depend on God and the love of her neighbor. Meaning everyone and everything depended on faith and believing everything would be alright. “While there were lonely days,” she says, “and the only way I knew I would make it, was to keep moving forward and trusting God will make a way.” “ Yes, I prayed to the Blessed Mother and she would help me through the days when I needed help the most. I continue to thank Her for all the love and compassion for me and my family.”

When asked if there were any times in which she struggled with her faith, she quickly exclaimed, “Of course, yes. It was real, but I needed to remember to pray to make sure Jesus would shower His blessings during those trials with family, finances, and self. My cries of sorrow were comforted in more ways than one could describe yet, not knowing, how or when help would be there. Trusting was hard but God knew me! He kept opening the doors during my difficult times. But, I look back and thank God for all he has allowed me, to be a small part of His plan."

Now, President Carol belongs to Saint Kateri Tekewitha Church in Santa Clarita. As an active parishioner, she has established a Women’s Guild and helped with the development of many areas needed as a new parish in the community including fundraising. She also serves in Bereavement, and Eucharistic Ministry, and is part of the Healing Prayer Team and Fundraising Team for the K of C Organization. President Carol happily adds, “I participate in any outreach that needs a helping hand or funding; our God still needs us all - to further HIS church.”

That’s exactly what she is doing now at the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (LA ACCW). She has been involved with the LA ACCW for many years (since Jan was President). She recounted how she was asked several times to serve, but was very busy with other duties. However, it was not until she saw the struggles of her friends who were also LA ACCW members, that one of her confidants told her, “They need YOU. Go get it moving!” That’s all she needed to hear. She recalls Marylyn Mathers who was part of the LA ACCW for many years, as well. Needless to say, she went through the ranks and became President in 2022. She acknowledges all the contributions of the many women that have come before her as she states, “I realize the talents, faith, and dedication each one has and shows - that our God is using to fulfill His plan.” She goes on to say, “The continued efforts in helping our women become helping hearts and hands, bringing growth together, are valuable for our Church. With prayer and thoughts of: "Revive, Review, and Regenerate,” we can be moved forward again. Together we can pray to become fruitful for our church parishes.”

As current President, she hopes to continue her effort in uniting all members to go forth and “GATHER THE WOMEN.” She believes and remarks, “To help each other throughout the coming year and with confidence integrate an array of blessings encompassing a positive potential to be inspired with the opportunity to open doors, and to promote attendance, and support throughout our Archdiocese Parishes.” “May the Holy Spirit enliven the Women to dedicate their time, talent, and treasure for the continued efforts needed in support of our dedicated Priest, Deacons, and families.”

My last question to our President was “If you had all the funds and support for LA ACCW, what would you implement most immediately?” She quickly replied, “Make an immediate effort to bring women to the table of OUR Lord. Outreach to Seniors who gave so much of their lives in service beyond all measures, and help children who suffer from incurable diseases, while also responding to any call that would go far and beyond one's imagination."

As we finish our interview, she asks to send a beautiful prayer for all of us, her fellow LA ACCW Sisters in Christ, “May we all gather together and be united in prayers in the efforts needed in today's struggle, and may we be renewed in our faithful journey. May God keep His loving arms around each and every one of us. Please, Lord, hear our prayers. AMEN AND AMEN.”

Thank you President Westlake for your love and support!