In Memory
Carol Barbara (Sharples) Henker
We are heartbroken to
announce the passing of our beloved mom and grandma, Carol Henker on Saturday, 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.
If desired, donations may be made in Carol's
memory to The Claresholm Food Bank; 221 45 Ave W, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0
or
The Holy Childhood Association through Christ the King Catholic Parish in
Claresholm; 344 - 50th Ave W, Box 1719, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0
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Doug & Toni-Rae Prusky & Family
Maureen McKee
My heartfelt sympathies as you mourn and grieve your dear mom and grandma.
Olive Darch
Wendy Macrae
With love,
Auntie Wendy