At 66 years of age, Carole Lorraine (McKinley) Wieldraayer went home to be with the Lord. After an October 2017 diagnosis of Stage 4 bone cancer from her previous breast cancer, she declined rapidly due to her treatment. On March 3, 2018, at 5:08 p.m., in the presence of her immediate family, she lost her fight.
Carole was born to (Charles) Earl and Gloria McKinley on April 1, 1951, in Santa Ana, Calif. After a few in-state moves, they settled in Santa Clara, Calif., where she swam in the Santa Clara Swim Club and graduated from Santa Clara High in 1969. Her parents retired and moved to Oak Harbor, and, while visiting them in 1978, she fell in love with the area and immediately moved to Whidbey Island.
Carole met Roger Wieldraayer in 1979 and they married on Valentine’s Day of 1981. Two children soon followed, son Christopher James, in 1983 and daughter Tina Marie, in 1987. Roger and Carole spent their 37 years together traveling; enjoying, more times than they could count their favorite place in Cabo. Also included in their travels were multiple boat cruises and adventures around the United States with friends they met along the way.
Carole proudly served the Town of Coupeville for 25 years, wearing many hats. She was well-known, loved and respected by many. After retiring in 2005, she spent the next 12-plus years at the Navy Exchange – her “Disneyland job.” She always joked that she should pay them to work there instead of the other way around. She enjoyed her daily interactions with her co-workers and the patrons of the NEX. She retired on Oct. 31, 2017 – the day she was diagnosed with her cancer.
Carole was a woman of faith and well known for her humor, friendship, selflessness and infectious laugh. She loved her family, friends and community with a passion.
Carole is survived by husband, Roger, son Christopher (Cassandra) and their children, Calvin Jaxon, 7, Corbin Myles, 4 and Carlee Mae, 2; and daughter; Tina (Larry Provoncha), and their children Ambria Elise, 5, and Amalie Violet, 3. Also surviving are mother, Gloria McKinley, brothers, Steve (Twylla), Mark, and Brian (Robin) McKinley, multiple brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her father, (Charles) Earl, and her half-brother Bede “Jim” Parry.
A celebration of life for Carole will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 at Living Word in Oak Harbor. Guests are encouraged to wear purple in her honor. The family suggests memorials in Carole’s name to SightLife, 1200 6th Ave. Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98101. 206-682-8500.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home.
To leave condolences or share messages please visit Carole’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
