Jan. 21, 1953 – June 6, 2026

Services for Carrie Christine are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. at Crippen Mortuary, 2900 Honolulu Ave. in La Crescenta. 

Carrie was born to George Robert and Betty Jean (Cocke) Neff in Long Beach, later spending her early years with her family in Manhattan Beach before moving to La Cañada in 1963. Carrie was a multi-talented artist, expressing her muse through drawing, painting, jewelry-making, music, theatrical makeup and gardening. After graduating from La Cañada High School, she studied at Pasadena City College, UCLA and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, then moved to New York, working for the renowned designer Vera Neumann before creating her own children’s clothing line. 

She returned to Southern California in the early 80s and worked as a cosmetologist. An industry client suggested that with Carrie’s knowledge of clothing and fashion she should pursue work as a movie and television costumer. Her nearly three decades in Costumers Union 705 included stints with daytime dramas and game shows before moving on to prime-time series (Grey’s Anatomy, True Blood, America’s Funniest Home Videos), specials (Happy Days 30th Reunion, Countdown to the Emmys) and features (My One and Only, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides).

Carrie is survived by her husband Ben Elder; daughter Demitra Christine (husband Nick Petrillo, grandchildren Izaiah, Niccolo and Carmelina); brother Jimmie Neff (wife Patti, niece Danielle, nephews Brandon and Cameron); and sister Theresa Loe (husband Rick, nephews Dylan and Trevor).

The family wishes to thank Montrose Healthcare Center, Mission Hospice, Dr. Alen Mirzaian and all the medical professionals who gave comfort through her prolonged struggle with illness. Likewise, the staff of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church provided spiritual sustenance throughout a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, City of Hope National Medical Center (Cancer Research) or the charity of their choice.