Oct 11, 1935 - Jan 24, 2018
Carole Anne Proctor, 82, of Campbell River died at North Island Hospital in Courtenay, on Wednesday January 24, 2018, from complications due to pneumonia.
Carole was born on October 11, 1935, in Hartline, Washington, to Henry and Elsie (Hoff) Schell. She married James Durfee Proctor on December 26, 1955 in Hartline. Carole's life is an inspiration and was filled with the love of her husband, parents, 2 sisters, 6 children, 16 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws, and many loving and supporting friends.
Her friends from St. Patrick's Parish, Campbell River, and Gold River were particularly dear to her. She was also very fond of her dogs: Wick (a seeing-eye dog), Puppy, Hunter, and most recently Sam.
Carole is survived by her husband, James (Jim); her children James (Patty) Proctor of Black Creek, Marggie (Douglas) Lewis of Boise, Idaho, Carita (Keith) Yerex of Comox, Shannon (Robert) Proctor-McLeod of Campbell River, Robert (Hector Martinez) Proctor of Peoria, Illinois, and Mark (Adriana) Proctor of East Hampton, New York; Ingrid Proctor and Rita Ames, who were like daughters to her; her sister Sharon Kay Schell of Poulsbo, Washington; and grandchildren Ryan, Kimberly, Tyler, Kevin, Julia, Lindsay, Brian, Brett, Landon, Kaylan, Connor, Marley, Walker, Maxwell, Sidney, and Cameron; great grandchildren Ophelia, Felicity and Sydney. Carole was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister DeLores (Robert) Obenland.
Carole's many adventures included sailing to French Polynesia, Hawaii, and Mexico, with a night in a Mexican jail. She and Jim drove across the US, and enjoyed multiple trips to Europe, including to the Orkney Islands, Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Rome, where she met Mother Theresa and received Holy Communion from Pope John Paul II. She never let her blindness slow her down; in fact, it appeared to have honed her zest for challenges.
Two services were held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Campbell River: a prayer service on Sunday, January 28, and a funeral mass on Monday, January 29.
The sentiments of family have been expressed eloquently by Carole's niece Theresa: Our family lost a beloved auntie yesterday. She was a true Warrior Woman. Her children were so incredibly lucky to be raised by her and my uncle. The adventures they had throughout her lifetime were many and truly amazing!
Auntie Carole Proctor, I honor you and a life truly well lived! I know my mom welcomed you with loving arms and you are free of earthly chains that bound you in this life, but never held you back!
To my cousins, your lives are a testament to your mom and dad. Continue to breathe and cry and laugh and drink good glasses of wine, which I know Auntie Carole would enjoy.
From the time I can remember she loved a good party, good food and good company. Honor her in this way while you gather to say farewell for now. Celebrate her remarkable life and how she imprinted in each of you with her indomitable spirit!
Please tell Uncle Jim I'm sending love and light during this difficult time. To lose his lifetime love, his companion, his fellow explorer and lover of life, well, I cannot fathom the hurt he's feeling. But their love expands well beyond this world.
Love each other through all the hurt. That will keep you moving forward. And don't forget the wine.
From another niece, Erin: "Aunt Carole was such a well of inspiration. Sometimes when I feel sad and weak I think of her strength wrapped all up in kindness. She taught me that I can endure my small challenges because she conquered so many greater ones. She was an amazing woman!"