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July 30, 1950 – February 20, 2012

Carol was the first child born to Paul and Betty Olenik - July 30, 1950 in St. Paul Alberta. She attended elementary school in Clinton, Kamloops and Vernon BC. The family moved several times because their father was employed in the logging industry which had many ups and downs, but eventually settled in Burns Lake where Carol graduated from High School.

As a child Carol enjoyed so many family outings such as fishing, swimming, skating, berry picking and old time family country dances. She also enjoyed playing on a ladies softball team. After graduation she then went on to begin her thirty plus years with the Royal Bank.

Carol married her husband Paul in Burns Lake in 1969. In the early 70’s they moved to Prince George where Paul was employed by Canada Post. Daughter Kara was born there in 1973. They returned to Burns Lake a few years later where daughter Krista was born in 1978. They owned and operated a Shell gas and convenience store for many years. After a lengthy illness, Paul passed away in 1995. Juggling jobs and raising a family, Carol carried on the family business for some time. Desiring a change, in 1997 she transferred to the Kelowna Branch of the Royal Bank. In Kelowna, she enjoyed the warmer climate and being closer to her mother Betty and sisters.

In October 2003, Carol’s girl friend set her up with a blind date at the mall in Kelowna. He happened to be the maintenance supervisor at Penticton International Airport. His name was Doug Crossley and the rest is history. In the spring of 2004, Doug, Carol and ‘Shads’ bought their first home together in Barriere. Soon after they fenced off their two acres and decided to try their hand at “cattle ranching.” Together they enjoyed travelling to places such as Thailand, Mexico, Hawaii and all parts of Arizona. Carol loved fishing, quading, gardening, the Fall Fair, camping, boating, reading her newspaper and ‘Star’ magazine, sitting in her backyard enjoying the peacefulness and watching the Barriere River flow by, sipping on the odd glass of wine and eating chocolate from her private stash! Several years ago, she obtained her Firearms license and this past year bagged her trophy deer of which she was very proud.

Carol’s love for her daughters, stepdaughters and grandchildren was immeasurable. They brought endless hours of love, laughter and joy into her life. She loved to share the treasured times spent with them, their families and pets with anyone that would lend an ear.

Carol will be lovingly remembered by her partner Doug Crossley and kitty cat Shadow; her daughters Kara Sandercott and Krista (Rick) Dube; her mother Betty Olenik; siblings Linda Olenik, Brian Olenik (Lynne), Margaret Kilpatrick and Janet Thorburn (Rob). Also by her stepchildren Keri Bedetti (Loris and pet Roxy), Cheri Penner (Michael and pets Bella and Zena), Danny Crossley (Robin); grandchildren Taylor Sandercott, Zack and Brayden ‘X’ Dube, Rylen Penner and Riley Crossley; nieces Cheryl, Sandi, Jana and Vyrona; and nephews Brett, Darren and Troy.

A gathering to celebrate and remember Carol’s life took place on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Lions’ Hall, Barriere, BC. Cremation followed. In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated being sent to BC Children’s Hospital, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver BC V6H 3N1, Phone: 604-875-2345. Arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, Barriere, BC. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at NorthThompsonFuneral.com



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