HENKER, Carol

    We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mom and grandma Carol Henker on March 9, 2024 at the age of 83. Carol passed peacefully in the arms of her children, following a brief illness.

    Born and raised in Claresholm, Carol was proud of her pioneer heritage as the granddaughter of Charles Sharples, who homesteaded west of Claresholm in the 1800s. Her Leeds grandparents were also early pioneers in the area. Mimi, as she was known to her family, treasured wonderful memories of growing up on the Sharples Ranch with loving parents and her three sisters, enjoying a close family, their ponies, and fun in and on Trout Creek in the summer and winter.

    Carol qualified as a teacher at the University of Alberta and taught a number of years in Edmonton before returning to raise her own children in Claresholm. She was artistic, and created gorgeous handicrafts of all kinds, many of which Carol gave as gifts or with which she adorned her impeccable and beautifully decorated home. She was musical, having learned to play several instruments and she sang with the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus as well as the Claresholm Community Singers. She was a devout Catholic and member of the Christ the King parish in Claresholm. Carol was particularly known as a gracious hostess, admired for her culinary and baking skills and the thoughtfulness and extra effort she made to make all occasions special, and to welcome friends, family, and her children’s friends.

     Carol was predeceased in 2016 by Terry, her husband of 43 years. Together they enjoyed love, laughter and many travels. Above all else, Carol treasured family times with her children, holidays, dinners, vacations, special occasions, and time with her cherished grandchildren.

     Carol was also predeceased by her parents, Henry and Marjorie Sharples, and her older sister Joanne. Mourning and missing Carol always are her three children, daughter Barbara (Paulin) Larochelle and grandchildren Geoffrey, Laura and Matthieu, son Don (Whitney) Henker and grandchildren Grace, Jack and David, and daughter Patti Henker, two sisters, Judy Meckelborg and Kathleen (Ken) Tratch, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Carol will also be greatly missed by her many friends, including her coffee and craft groups.

     A funeral Mass for Carol will be celebrated later in the spring, and there will be a private inurnment at the Claresholm cemetery.