Carol Ann Souza, a spirited soul whose life was marked by courage and creativity, passed away peacefully due to natural causes on May 19, 2024, in Jacksonville, Oregon. Born September 19, 1936, in Oakland, California, Carol's journey through life was one of remarkable resilience, love, and beauty. She was 87 years old.

Carol's story began as the daughter of Leonard Wicksten, Sr. and Gertrude Wicksten, both of whom preceded her in death, as did her brother Leonard Wicksten, Jr., sister Roberta Babbitt, and sister- in-law Nancy Wicksten. Her life was a tapestry of close-knit family ties, including her devoted husband, Richard F. Souza Jr., with whom she shared the joy of raising two daughters, Lori Stelle and Tami Abeloe (Bruce).

Carol's legacy continued through her beloved granddaughters, Kristin and Nicole Stelle and Jaclyn Abeloe, and she was the great-grandmother to Loan and Blake Stelle. Though her heart ached for the loss of her granddaughter Jaime Lynn Sallee (Tami Abeloe), Carol's love for her family remained a beacon of hope and strength.

A proud graduate of Jacksonville High School, Carol's early life was marked by a formidable challenge when, at the tender age of 16, she was diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis was grim, but Carol, ever the fighter, defied the odds and astonished her medical team with her remarkable recovery. Throughout her journey, she was supported by her exceptional physicians, Dr. Brian Gross, Dr. Kendall Michels, and Dr. Andrew Kim, whose expertise and care she was deeply grateful for.

Carol's passion for life was evident in her many interests. Her hands sewed magic into the fabric of life, creating stunning ballgowns for the annual Jacksonville Grand Ball during the '50s and '60s. Her creative spirit also found expression in her gardens, where her green thumb cultivated an oasis of beauty that mesmerized all who had the pleasure of witnessing it.

A lover of the sun's warm embrace, Carol eagerly anticipated her yearly trips to Casa Grande, Arizona, after the Holidays. It was in Casa Grande that she and Richard met their dear friends Karen and Eldon, with whom they shared countless adventures that became treasured stories, lighting up conversations and warming hearts.

Throughout her life, Carol embodied the words of Helen Keller: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Indeed, Carol's life was a daring adventure filled with love, beauty, and courage to face each day with a spirited heart. Her creative legacy lives on, not only in the exquisite gowns and lush gardens she left behind but also in the way she touched the lives of those around her.

Carol Ann Souza will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life serves as an inspiring testament to the power of hope, the beauty of art, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. As we reflect on her remarkable journey, we are reminded that even in the face of life's greatest challenges, one can live a life replete with joy, purpose, and unwavering love.