Caryle Janice Rio

In Loving Memory of Caryle Janice Rio

April 17, 1939 – October 6, 2024

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Caryle Janice Rio, who left us peacefully on October 6, 2024, following complications from a heart valve replacement. Caryle was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 17, 1939, and her journey through life has touched countless hearts and made an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Early Life and Education

Caryle was born and raised in a tight-knit community, where she quickly became known for her bright spirit and compassionate nature. She was particularly close to her paternal grandparents. Her early years were marked by a love of learning and a desire to help others, qualities that would define her throughout her life. Caryle attended Los Angeles High School for three years then moved to the Marion Colbert private high school in Los Angeles, where she graduated.

Professional Life

Although Caryle had no desire to attend college, she had an overwhelming interest in art. While in high school, she attended Camp Idlewild, an art and music summer camp. Later, while raising a family, Caryle took art classes at Barnsdall Art Park, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, where she polished her art skills and learned to make jewelry.

Years later, in Montana, she would refine those skills and create a jewelry business: Montana Lariats. Caryle designed and manufactured earrings for pierced ears that were unique in that they did not have a backing. Instead, a small weight was attached to the gold chain and pushed into the piercing. The weight of that chain and the little pendant held the earring in place against the ear. Unfortunately, Caryle did not think to patent her unique design, and they are now manufactured by other companies.

While living in Beverly Hills, Caryle took the real estate licensing exam and became a California Realtor.

Caryle loved the film industry. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she had minor roles in 3 movies and was Executive Producer for 3 movies.

Family and Personal Life

Caryle's greatest joy was her family. She married her beloved husband and friend of 25 years, Andy Rio, in 2019, and together they built a loving home filled with laughter and warmth. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, often sharing stories of life and teaching them the values of kindness and empathy.

Caryle’s sister, Betty, said “Caryle was the oldest of three girls, and she took it upon herself to mentor and look after her sisters. She taught us “rules” about proper social behavior, what to wear, and what makeup to wear. She was an influencer before there were influencers!”

Caryle’s son, Grant, said “Mom was a great mother. She was first a Cub Scout Den Mother, then a Room Mother during elementary school. We owned bakeries, so the snacks for the kids were always wonderful.”

A Passion for Life

Caryle had a zest for life that was truly infectious. She was smart, attractive, multi-talented, funny, and clever. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and cooking, often hosting gatherings where her culinary skills were showcased to the delight of her guests.

When Paul Newman, her neighbor in Beverly Hills, began his Newman’s Own salad dressing, Caryle, of course, gave him some input. She also co-authored a cookbook. Caryle strove for perfection in every endeavor.

Throughout most of her life, Caryle was physically active, going swimming, attending exercise classes, walking, and gardening. Only later, as her heart valve became less efficient, did she slow down.

Her love for travel took her to many places around the world, and she treasured the experiences and friendships she made along the way. Caryle's home was always open to friends and family, and her hospitality, cooking, and baking were legendary.

Community Involvement

Caryle's impact on her community was profound. She was a pillar of support for many local and regional institutions, including Yellowstone Art Museum, St. Vincent Hospital, and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Legacy of Love

Caryle Janice Rio leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. She is survived by her husband Andy, her sister Betty, her son Grant, her step sister-in-law Cindy, her stepson Jonathan and his wife Melissa, nephew Richard and his wife Molly, her grandchildren Jill, David, and Benjamin, several cousins, and her extended family and friends.

Caryle is predeceased by her husbands Miles Goldstein, Henry Waldman, Wally Streeter, her mother Lillian, her father Sanford, her stepfather Leonard Seidmon, her sister, Nancy, and her sons Drew and Steve Waldman.

Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her and by the countless lives she touched through her generosity. Caryle frequently gave friends, family, and loved ones jewelry, clothing, and other things of value.

A celebration of Caryle's life will be held at 10:00 AM on April 17, 2025, at Congregation Beth Aaron, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share their stories of her inspiring journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Congregation Beth Aaron Endowment Fund. https://www.cbamt.org/support/

Rest in peace, Caryle. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.