Carolyn Mary Riddle, age 78, passed away peacefully in the presence of her son, cousin, and compassionate care of the staff at Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, Washington on November 22, 2025. She departed this world exactly as she had wanted, with independence and vigor. She will continue to be deeply loved and remembered by her son, John, grandson, Ian, John's wife, Cynthia, cousins Kenny, Geri, Pam, Samantha and children, countless lifelong friends, the brothers & Sisters of Charity, multiple Catholic communities, non-profit organizations and Kiki the cat. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, John and Lillian Olinger, dearest uncle Frank Olinger and Aunt Sylvia Sahanow and ancestors of the Olinger (Luxembourg) and Tsehanov (Ukraine) families.

Born July 8, 1947, in Los Angeles, CA, Carolyn lived her early years an only child in the LA area and attended Catholic school while her parents tried their hands at a variety of professions. While attending various colleges, she married Steve Velvick for 5 years. Then she set off on her own adventures until meeting John William Riddle at the Red Barn Tavern in Idaho. She married him in a green sari on a forest meadow. Carolyn and John had an only child, also John and they ultimately settled in Othello, Washington for over 2 decades. After 16 years of marriage, she separated and returned to higher education to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in her passion as a librarian. She held positions at both Othello Community Library and Big Bend Community College in nearby Moses Lake. Upon retirement, she moved to Austin, TX for 9 years to be close to her son and daughter-in-law and be present for her grandson's childhood. Having had her fill of Texas, she returned to the cooler, forested side of Washington, close to cousins and friends. She found her happy place nestled in the woods among her garden and daily visits from the birds and deer.

Carolyn's spirit embodied three attributes throughout her life: exploration, spirituality and service to the earth and others. As an explorer, she traveled the western US in a VW bus in the 70's, lived off the land in a teepee outside of Troy, Oregon, and moved up and down the west coast with a toddler in search of work. Upon retiring, she roamed across Europe on her own, migrated to the deep south for family, and set off back west in her car with determination and a fluffy cat. Her spirituality sprouted in the roots of Catholicism during her childhood. While rebellion from structure and authority in the 60's and 70's played a part in shaping her worldview, Carolyn's yearning for the divine found its path back to God by way of Eastern Religion. She was then invited back to the Catholic teachings and practices when a heavenly voice at mass told her "That is my work in the world". By her 50's her devotion led to a fully monastic life and joining of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. Every holy (and sometimes unholy) place she entered lead to lasting friendships and spiritual bonds. But the truest manifestation of her spirit was Carolyn's steadfast service. Through her joy in growing even the most delicate of plants. Through her complete connection with nature in a teepee, by foot or through the stroke of a brush. Through her commitment to living simply and in her devotion to supporting her neighbors, choir mates and food pantry ministry. And most especially to always serve those in most need of an ally to trust and believe in them.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 8th at 11:00 am,
beginning with a rosary at 10:30 am at St. John the Evangelist
Catholic Church, and she will be laid in the Columbarium at Mother
Joseph Cemetery in Vancouver, WA.

The funeral mass may be live streamed from home
https://www.youtube.com/@st.johntheevangelistcathol8579/streams
In leu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following
or an organization of your choice.
Ray Hickey Hospice House (select from designation dropdown)
https://www.peacehealth.org/foundation/southwest/donate-now
EveryLibrary
https://www.everylibrary.org/donate
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
https://www.svdpvancouverusa.org/food-pantry