March 15, 1932 - May 29, 2019
With sadness we announce the passing of our Mother, Carol Frances Koenig. She was born in Revelstoke B.C. on March 15, 1932 and died in Nelson this past May 29, at the age of 87.
Carol was the third of three daughters born to Ross and Helen Young. As their's was a C.P.R. family, they were transferred from time to time, but Carol's formative years were enjoyed in the Nelson area. After her graduation from Nelson High School she enrolled in the Nursing program in Vancouver, and upon completion, worked as a psychiatric nurse at Essondale.
In the early 1950s, Carol met Alexander Koenig, a young man from Kelowna. They fell for each other and were married in Trail on Sept.11, 1952. They settled in Nelson and began their family of 4 children.
Carol was a busy and creative person. She was an accomplished seamstress, an avid knitter, and an exceptional cook. She was full of curiosity and was a lifelong learner. As her children became more independent she needed new outlets for her creativity so enrolled at K.S.A and began classes in pottery. She fashioned beautiful and functional pots and vessels.
When Carol and Alex began building their dream home on Nelson's North Shore, Carol apprenticed herself to their carpenters, doing many of the labouring tasks herself. She wanted to be involved and to keep the progress moving, and on schedule.
Her passion after the house was completed was her garden. Crafting from the rocky forest floor, she created a labyrinth of mossy paths winding through her myriad blooms and blossoms. Her annual plant sale was a highly anticipated event
After Alex died in 1995, Carol took up kayaking. For years her happy place was on the water, paddling along the shores of Kootenay Lake. She kept this up well into her 80's.
Of late, Carol's body was failing her, but she remained fiercely determined, bright and sassy until the end. Her death was peaceful, her family was close and her son Torry was by her side.
Carol was predeceased by her husband Alex and her 2 sisters, Jean Weir and Margery Young. She is survived by her children, Kim Rowan (Bob Corey), Tamara Koenig-Fraser (Ian), Kelly Koenig (Tammy), Torry Koenig (Luisa), 9 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren and 2 nieces, Shelley Nelson and Marnie Olson..
We give our thanks to the staff of Kootenay Lake Hospital for the care and kindness that was shown to our Mother, and to Dr. Cochrane, our extreme gratitude for his many years of compassionate care.
Family and close friends will gather on her beach in late July to celebrate Carol's life.