Mary "Carol" Elizabeth Malone

Born Mary Elizabeth Stadelbauer on August 17th, 1943, in Ingersol, Canada to parents George (Earl) and Hazel, the fourth daughter after sisters Louise, Shirley and Cathy. The family operated a dairy farm (along with other livestock and an ornery rooster) where Mary learned the importance of family, hard work, and dedication. Working the farm played a pivotal role in Mary’s life as it was far from the life she envisioned for herself.

In 1958, Mary met, and married Thomas Percey Carter and they welcomed their son, Thomas George Carter, on the 24th of November 1958. They later divorced. In 1967, at the early age of 24, Mary, along with her preferred name, Carol, moved south to the U.S.

Always in the Pacific Northwest, Carol wore many hats but her two favorites were working in the offices for her dear friend, Thomas Babler, at “All-weather Wood”. That exposure and those connections were instrumental in her other career; the buying, rehabbing and the reselling of homes in the Portland, OR market. She worked as her own General Contractor and had the trained eye for quality and details. Carol, along with best friend Joyce Otterson, flew to South Africa to load a container of furniture to furnish the houses. Always a “step above”. The stories of that trip would equate to a best seller, and a sequel!!

During this time, Carol met her true love, James Tierney Malone, and they were married in July 1982. As a Merchant Marine, Jim (James) spent as much time at sea as he did at home. They only had 11 years together until his premature death, while at sea, just outside Oahu, HI.

Carol left the Pacific NW for Sun City, AZ in 2014. Her neighbors were her family, and she was introduced to her new community by best friend, Billy Jean, who would not take NO for an answer. Sherry and Troy were always cooking and doting on her and adopted her last two dogs, Luke and Angel, and Kellie across the street was there for anything. Carol passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 27th, 2025.

For anyone who had the opportunity to meet Carol, you realized the impact she made. Carol lived life without regret or fear. Her heart was as big as her soul, and she spent every waking hour trying to enrich the lives of others. Her love of the animal kingdom was enormous, expressed by the many donations, adoptions, rescue or fostering of any dog in need.

Carol was predeceased by her husband Jim Malone, her son Thomas Carter, her sisters (who passed in the order of birth) Louise, Shirley, and Cathy. Carol is survived by her granddaughters, Cassandra Murphy, Brianna Carter and great-granddaughter Harlow Carter and nieces Mary Desprez, Linda MacDonald, and nephew Brad Taylor.

Carol’s final wish was to be placed, along with her dog’s Cappie and Moma ashes, and scattered in the Pacific Northwest, the place that truly was her home.

Carol’s family is eternally grateful to her dearest friend, Russell Maize, who cared for and loved her until the end. If you would like to offer a tribute to Carol, we know she would love a donation sent to your local dog shelter.