Carole Oliver Shick

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carole Oliver Shick on November 1, 2024, at the age of 89 after a long and fulfilling life. Her final days were spent peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.

Carole was born on May 18, 1935, in Flint, Michigan to William (Bill) Joseph and Della (Irene) Oliver. She graduated from Central High School in 1953 and received many accolades as a member of the National Honor Society and for her involvement in student council, debate team, yearbook and thespian club. She went on to receive her teaching degree from Kalamazoo College in Michigan and started her teaching career as an elementary school teacher in the Flint Community School District.

After her brief first marriage ended, she found herself a single mom of three young boys looking for a new start. She drove herself and her son’s cross country to Oregon in 1965. She settled in Beaverton Oregon where she eventually received her master’s degree from Portland State College. She dedicated the majority of her 30 plus year career to the Beaverton School District, working initially as a teacher, moving to the role of a beloved librarian, then ending her career excelling as a media specialist at Raleigh Hills Elementary School.

She married the love of her life, Donald Edward Shick on February 14, 1969, joining two families of three boys each. Their first date hilariously involved the six boys sitting between them in a movie theater watching “With Six you Get Eggroll”.

Carole was an ardent community activist. She served eight years on the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District (THPRD) Board; one term as THPRD Board Chair. She spearheaded the acquisition of many THPRD parks and recreation centers in and around Beaverton. Along with Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh, she participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the THPRD Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex in Beaverton. Her community service continued as she served for eight years as an elected City Councilor for the City of Beaverton. One of her many accomplishments as a City Councilor was advocating for the funding and building of the current Beaverton City Library.

Carole was a long-time member of the Christian Church. She was steadfast in her faith and was a faithful prayer warrior. She and her late husband were active members of First Christian Church in Portland, then transitioned to Murray Hills Christian Church in Beaverton. She was an active member on the Elder Board and participated in her church quilting and book clubs.

She was a phenomenal quilter. For decades she stitched dozens of quilts, gifting them to her children, grandchildren and other family members as well as her many friends. She enjoyed gardening and doting on her beautiful flowering pots and always kept her birdfeeders filled. In addition, she enjoyed working puzzles, crosswords and was an avid reader. She loved reading books to her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grandma with the books.” Carole was passionate about her many cats! Through the years she owned Tabbies, Manx, Cornish Rex, and even one hairless Sphynx! All of which cultivated her other nickname “Grandma with the Kitties.”

Carole will be remembered as a loving daughter, devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a caring, loyal friend to many. We will miss her distinct laugh, determination, strength, optimism, fierce loyalty and unconditional love.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Irene Oliver and her husband Don. She is survived by her sons; George (Meg), Kevin (April), Sam (Sue), Brian (Kim), Rob (Suzanne), and David (Pam); brother Jerry (Joan) Oliver; brother-in-law Richard (Dorothy) Shick; six nephews & nieces; 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

We are so grateful to the wonderful staff at Hearthstone at Murrayhill, specifically Anna’s Place memory care facility for their loving care and compassion shown to Carole during her increasing struggle with dementia in her final years.

Carole will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Don, in a private graveside memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Carole’s memory to two organizations that were dear to her heart: Cat Adoption Team cat shelter, and OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.