An early Christmas present to her parents and three sisters, Carole Rebecca Hourigan was born December 23, 1938, in Vilna, Alberta and grew up in nearby Ashmont.

Carole attended nursing school in Edmonton, graduating in 1959.

While working in Red Deer she met Bob Hourigan, a young RCMP officer. They married in Edmonton on November 14, 1964, and moved to Victoria, BC, where they had two sons Chris and Rob. The family moved to Port Alberni when Bob became a firefighter. Carole answered her calling, helping multiple generations of babies into the world as a maternity nurse at Port Alberni’s West Coast General Hospital.

Outside of family, Carole kept busy with knitting, becoming so enthralled with the craft that she began to spin her own yarn! She adorned her family with original and personalized sweaters, including ones featuring favourite hockey players and cute animal themes for her grandsons. She kept in shape by joining Volksport, an international walking club, completing numerous of its 10k routes, and even creating a few walks. Carole completed the 64k Burning Boot Ultramarathon from Gold River to Tahsis.

Her pursuits ranged from amateur radio to lawn bowling and curling. A devout Catholic and engaged community member, Carole was active in church as a server and reader at masses and trained her dogs as pet therapists who served in hospitals and senior homes. She also held a special charm as a hummingbird whisperer. 

Carole is predeceased by sisters Millie and Trudie. She is survived by sister Joan, husband Bob, children Chris and Rob (Colleen), grandchildren Chris (Izzy), Dylan (Ashley), Markus (Kayla) and Ryan (Chelsea), great grandchildren Oaklen and Braxton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She passed away at Chartwell Willow home in Maple Ridge with family at her side. We miss her already. 

Thanks to staff at Chartwell and Cowichan District Hospital.

Memorial service will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, June 11th at Garden Hill Funeral Chapel – 11795 224th Street, Maple Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity.