Carol Alison Parsons peacefully passed away at age 83 on October 20, 2025, in Claresholm, Alberta, surrounded by love as she transitioned to her new residence in heaven.
Carol met her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease with courage and elegance, choosing to “laugh until she forgets what she was laughing about.”
Born in Busby, Alberta in 1942, Carol was the youngest of seven children in a large second-generation Alberta family. She was raised on the Green family farm, and she carried the strength and warmth of those roots throughout her life.
Carol met her husband, Timothy Parsons, in Vancouver, BC, and they were married on July 1, 1967, in Penticton, BC. Tim’s work led them to the North; to Fort Nelson, BC, where they began their adventurous life together and welcomed two daughters, Colleen and Susan. In 1975, they moved to Whitehorse, Yukon.
Carol’s intrepid spirit thrived in the North. With her young family, she spent summers exploring and camping throughout Northern BC, the Yukon, and Alaska—later continuing their adventures hiking and camping in the southern Rocky Mountains. She took her family to wild places where they walked on glaciers, crossed rivers, hiked to sweeping mountain views, and roasted marshmallows beneath the stars. Through those journeys, Carol instilled a deep love of nature, often reminding her family to pause and truly take in the vibrant life and beauty that surrounded them.
In 1977, the Parsons family returned to Alberta, settling in Airdrie for 14 years during their daughters’ school years. Carol spent her career as a bank teller, a role that reflected her integrity and sense of responsibility. She declined advancement, preferring to stay at the counter where she could serve and connect directly with customers with genuine curiosity, empathy, and laughter that left everyone a little lighter.
After many years in Airdrie and Calgary, Carol and Tim retired to Claresholm in 2006, where she continued to bring kindness and warmth to everyone around her. Energized by connection, she had a special gift for conversation and compassion—frequently found holding an elder’s hand after church, sharing laughter across the counter at the bank, and lighting up in the presence of children, who seemed drawn to her gentle, curious spirit and sparkling eyes.
She found her greatest joy in her family—her husband Tim, her daughters, and her beloved granddaughter Emiliana, who brought her boundless delight. Carol’s genuine interest in people extended to everyone she met, from close friends to complete strangers. Her unconditional love, resilience, and protective heart defined her as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Carol’s faith in God was a cornerstone of her life. She lived her beliefs quietly and wholeheartedly, showing through her actions what it meant to love others with grace, humility, and kindness. Her faith gave her strength in hardship and joy in everyday moments.
Carol is lovingly remembered by her husband, Timothy; her daughters, Colleen and Susan; her granddaughter, Emiliana Chwiecko; her sister, Margaret Holverson; her niece, Kristi Searle; and many other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Alberta Green, and her siblings Russell, Arley (Bill), Verna (Walter), Maxine (Wally), John, and her brother-in-law, Ken Holverson.
Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre for their tender care and exceptional dedication.
In honor of Carol’s lifelong appreciation for Alberta’s wild places, donations may be made to the Alberta Conservation Association.
A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at a future date, to be entwined with Tim’s, when their journeys meet again in heaven