Carole Anne Idema

Carole Anne Idema, 85, of Phoenix, Arizona, died October 25, 2026. Born March 1, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Carole grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she graduated from Mount Mercy Academy.

Carole was the oldest child of Mildred and Donald Seymour (both predeceased), and a devoted big sister to Richard (predeceased) and Michael Seymour.

Her working life reflected steady competence and quiet dedication. Carole built a career as an Office Manager in local businesses, bringing order, care, and reliability to the daily work that keeps organizations running. She later married William F. Idema (predeceased) and, for many years, provided valued support to his accounting firm.

Carole’s life also held a deep appreciation for the wider world. She loved to travel in Mexico and the Caribbean, and through those journeys developed a lasting admiration for the art of those regions. After her divorce, she lived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for many years before eventually settling in Phoenix—places she loved in different ways, and that each became part of the landscape of her life.

Carole met hardship with resolve. She battled Multiple Sclerosis for 40 years and endured the effects of a massive stroke two years ago, continuing to face each day with determination. She received excellent care and support from the Primavera Assisted Living group home.

Carole is remembered with respect and gratitude by those who knew her, and by her family who carry forward the imprint of her life.