Coralie Joy Carter

Coralie Joy Carter of Madras, Oregon, beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and friend to all that met her, passed away on April 26, 2022.

Daughter to Barney and Freda (Davis) Shanks, Coralie and her twin sister, Virginia Lee (Carnegie), were born on December 10, 1943, in Akaroa, New Zealand, where their Father served during World War II. Younger brother James Richard Shanks was born after the family returned stateside in 1947.  In addition to New Zealand, she lived in England, California, Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Hawaii throughout her lifetime.

A graduate of Waipahu High School in Hawaii, Coralie returned to New Zealand for Nursing School, where she met her husband of 53 years, David Paul Earl Carter of Falmouth, Cornwall (England), while his Navy boat was docked for an Officer’s Dance.  During their union, Coralie and Paul welcomed son Timothy Lee Carter and daughter Robyn Jennifer Adele Carter.  Tim and his family currently reside in Orange County, California, while Robyn lives in London, England, with her longtime boyfriend, Joseph Pykett.

Fond of birds, dragonflies and her beloved kitties, Coralie was well known for her extensive bird house collection and a household made warmer from her affection toward the numerous cats she had throughout the years.  This love translated to humans as well and led many people to remark of her welcoming nature toward everyone, regardless of their differences.  This kind, gentle nature caused her to be treasured by all who knew her.

An avid traveler, Coralie took many once-in-a-lifetime trips, including a climb of Table Mountain in South Africa when she was 20 and a tramp steamer ride from New Zealand to England, which included Coastal Australia and Africa along the journey.  Once back in England, she reunited with her husband Paul, who was continuing to serve in the English Merchant Navy.  Missing out on only one bucket list item, which was to ride in a WWII Fighter plane, it was a life filled with adventure.  Throughout her journeys, she built an extensive jewelry collection, with a specialty in Native American pieces and stones.

Coralie is survived by son Tim and his wife Mary, as well as their children Taylor Katheen, Lauryn Adele and Emily Joy, daughter Robyn and her boyfriend, Joseph Pykett, as well as nieces and nephews and other extended family, including husband Paul’s sister, Alicia, who married Coralie’s brother in 2013.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, sister Virginia and brother James.

In 2013, Coralie, Paul, James, and Alicia all moved from Southern California to Madras, Oregon, where they built a community of cherished friends.  Many of these close friends dropped in to lend a hand throughout her final days, returning the friendship and love that flowed freely when spending time in the company of Coralie.

A loving wife, mother and friend, we were all better in knowing her keen wit, wicked sense of humor and sage advice.  Rest easy, sweet Coralie.  You will be forever loved and eternally missed by all who knew you.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy…”

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