Carol Layana, an astute businesswoman who knew tragedy in the second half of her life, died about 2 o’clock this afternoon. She was 80 years old.
Recently diagnosed with cancer, she suffered a stroke three days ago.
In business for many years with Steve Hadland, publisher of the Culver City Observer after a long run at the Culver City News, Ms. Layana was associate publisher of the Observer at her death. For decades, however, Ms. Layana was a pillar of the Culver City News.
“Carol was the matriarch of the Layana family, the McAnany family, and really the entire Lindberg Park neighborhood,” journalist/realtor Mike Cohen, Mr. Culver City, told the newspaper this afternoon.
“She was my manager when I delivered newspapers at age 12, and of course co-publisher of the Culver City News when I worked there for 30 or 40 years.
“Carol always had grace and humor about her,” Mr. Cohen said. “She has had tragedy in her family.”
Ms. Layana, the mother of seven children, a single parent during their growing up years, three of her five sons died abruptly.
“Even though she faced a series of challenges,” Mr. Cohen said, “she always was strong. I never heard here whine or complain about her lot in life and what was thrown at her.
“I loved how solid of an individual she was. Carol always had her humor, and she was very practical, too,” Mr. Cohen said.
“The hours she put in as co-publisher of the News, amazing. A wonderful, practical, intelligent woman.”
Ms. Layna lost her son Tim, a major league baseball player, in 1989 when his SUV was broadsided by another vehicle.
Twenty years later, son Mike, died unexpectedly at age 47. His obituary said, in part: “Mr. Layana not only had not been ill previously, his mother, Carol Layana, said that he probably had not been to a doctor’s office since his youth when she drove him there.”
On Sept. 10, 2013, son Matt died suddenly.
Ms. Layana’s survivors include sons Nick and John, and daughters Nancy and Melinda.
9 Comments on “Carol Layana of Observer Dies at 80”
Carol was my gm at cc news.an unbelievable pillar of faith, strength and bravery. I learned so much from her and had the honor of laughing with her about life. She is unforgettable today and forever. The brothers are happy to be with mom. God bless the family.
Carol did so much for me. If I could give he a million dollars it wouldn’t repay her for all she did.
On a side note Carol would have said that Matt died unexpectedly. We all die suddenly….Sorry that was the editor in me
Carol was…and will always be…simply…THE BEST!
In her passing let us not forget the incredible joys Carol enjoyed during her life. She won the hand of Frank Layana, an incredibly handsome and gifted businessman and athlete, straight out of high school, using her beauty, intelligence and charm to beat out a long line of suitors eager for Frank’s attentions. Frank choose baseball over football, and bought their first house cash with his signing bonus.
Her son’s Matt, Nick, Johnny, Spike and Timmy all were stellar Little League and Babe Ruth baseball players…with T being a reliever on the team and reinforcing the Lindberg Park Layana athleticism, by getting a full World Series Champion share, when the Cincinnati Reds swept the Oakland A’s as a huge underdog to the “Bash Brothers” in 1990.
And her good looking, blessed with sporting abilities sons, ALL graduated with at least an undergraduate college degree.
Carol’s nephew and niece lived with her sister on the same prime Culver City street, and were also professional athletes. All of the above with the exception of Matt, also gave Carol a bunch of adorable, gifted and accountable Grand and Great grandchildren…to further her legendary legacy.
Each and everyone of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, and friends as well as her still surviving husband…will forever appreciate the elegance of this lady.
Life was good for Carol. Although regarded with high status she was an early rising, hard working, good natured, fun loving, never complaining, quick to laugh and down to earth woman. She delighted in her family and associates, and the joy that each addition brought to her. Undoubtedly NONE of us EVER was shortchanged when it came to exchanging pleasantries, with Mrs. Carol Malloy Layana.
May she look down with forgiving direction upon us.
Culver City be certain and be grateful, Layanaland is now in the superbly trained and destined hands of the greatest of her many notable accomplishments… her family.
Thanks Mark!
Quite simply the greatest lady I have ever met in all my travels!
Yes Greg,
It’s amazing how many people of all ages share your opinion. From her little greatgranddaughter that Nancy and then Gina gave her a couple years ago…to the Original Mr. Culver City and over 100 years young, Syd Kronanthal, told me on the phone an hour ago; Carol Malloy Layana was SIMPLY THE BEST…see you at her memorial Monday 6/22/15 at 11am at St. Augustine’s Church.
Greg Hoel what about me and my lil sis that are not mentioned- …Pablo and sheila at house- carol and co…
I was a classmate for 8 years with Carol at St. John’s school in Inglewood. She was pretty, bright, a good student, and always full of life. All we boys at one time or another had a crush on her, and I, as a 7 year old, remember slipping her a “I love you” note, with the innocence of a child. Later, as she matured into a lovely young woman , I would see her at church on Sundays, and then heard the news that she had married Frank Layana, the CIF player of the year for the 1951 football season. When her son Tim died in the terrible auto accident, I managed to begin to communicate with her, and met her just one time at a mini=reunion for our St. John’s class of 1049. She was a great woman, obviously, and one I miss.