Carol Marie Harley

If you’re reading this, I have departed Earth to take up permanent residence in my heavenly home. At this very moment, I have begun a joyful reunion with family and friends who were greatly missed while I was on Earth. Journeying to Heaven ahead of me were my beloved parents, grandparents, other family members, dear friends and neighbors, precious canine companions, and the love of my life, fiancé Tom.

My departure from Earth has left behind, but only momentarily, a few precious family members and treasured friends.

My lifetime passions included shopping, decorating, cooking, photography, poetry, canines, coffee dates with friends, all things “home”, and especially gardening, flowers, and “being near the Earth”. The joy of seeing things grow and return to life in springtime brought me thrills beyond measure. I was a proud homeowner and avid do-it-yourselfer, never afraid to dirty my hands with paint, sawdust, or potting soil. My careers included those of a successful educator and a loyal corporate employee, always striving to do what was moral and ethical. Yet I was most proud of having been a devoted daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, and fiancé. Spring was my favorite season because the miracle of emerging greenery was a symbol of resurrection and rebirth and reinforced my faith in eternal life. Mostly, I was blessed to have been raised in a loving, Christian family, to have maintained faith in a better world to come, and to have shared true love with my soulmate Tom in the late years of my life.

A traditional “goodbye” party here on Earth will be replaced by a huge “welcome home” celebration in Heaven. Please remember me as a loving, creative, caring, thoughtful, sensitive woman with a keen mind, a sharp wit, a kind heart, and a deep soul. Always be kind to those you encounter during your lifetime. While my earthly ashes rest near to my beloved fiancé, my eternal soul rejoices in Heaven, where flowers live forever. I’m watching over you until we meet again.

"When I awaken to discover myself strolling in an endless garden, becoming one with the flowers, I’ll know that I’ve reached my Heaven." CMH – 2007

Donations in Carol’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, ASPCA, Animal Humane Society, Minnesota Society for the Blind, Texas Center for Prevention of Child Abuse, Pillars Hospice in Oakdale, Minnesota, or charity of your choice.

Interment at Fairview Cemetery, Stillwater, MN.

Private burial to be announced.