Carole Ann "Kamppila" Johnson

The last threads of Carole’s spirit left us on May 10th, 2021 after soaking in the spring sunshine. Her final days were graced by the loving care of hospice, friends, caregivers, and family. Carole was born in Quincy, MA on October 1st, 1937, the third of four children. A family exodus to Sacramento, CA in 1951 was the first of many adventures. Carole went to Sacramento Junior College in 1955, where she studied nursing and graduated with distinction. A born caregiver, Carole loved serving others. In 1963, Carole married USAF Captain Richard (Dick) Johnson of Kentucky, who graced her life, taught her to fly, and took her across the US and eventually around the world. They hit the jackpot in Las Vegas (Nellis AFB), where their only daughter, Christina (Chrys) was born. In 1971, the family was transferred to Germany. For five years, Carole thrived in the busy social life and traveled around Germany and Europe with Richard and their wonderful friends. She continued her love of learning, taking cooking classes in France and skiing in Austria. Back stateside, they were stationed at Luke AFB in Glendale, AZ for two years, where Carole continued nursing, enjoying the sun, and going above and beyond as friend, wife and mother. When Richard retired in 1980, the family joined Carole’s mom and siblings in Lynden. She started taking classes, including computer science, at Western Washington University and earned her BA in 1982. She was soon back in school and working towards an MS in Psychology. She made many friends and found another passion. As a counselor, she worked at Whatcom Counseling and Psychiatric, first with the Elder Day program and later as a psychiatric nurse. She adored the clients and her colleagues. Carole cared for family and friends throughout her life. She is remembered for providing private nursing care, her extravagant generosity, thoughtfulness, sense of adventure, quick wit, smart dress, and her bright spirit that shined out through her big smile. Always ready to try something new, Carole became a Master Gardner after retirement. She loved working with the dahlias, at Hovander and home. She tried her hand at wood carving and, back in the day, made wonderful posters, decorations, and incredible gingerbread houses. After 35 years in Lynden, Carole moved around a few times but spent her final 20 months living with her daughter and family. Dementia stole some of her spirit, but her love, wit and smile survived most of the time and live on in our hearts. Carole is predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother, “Bud” Walter Kamppila, her sister-in-law, Norma, her brother-in-law, Don Seutz, and many dear cousins. She is survived by her sisters, Pauline (Harley) Williams and Jan (Randy) Simpson, her daughter, Chrys and son-in-law Peter Bemment, her two adored grandsons, Sterling and Jasper, many cherished cousins, thirteen beloved nieces and nephews, and their partners, children, and grandchildren. A small graveside ceremony will be held at Greenacres Memorial Park with a celebration of life to be held in July. Donations in her memory can be made to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

Carole Ann "Kamppila" Johnson

October 1, 1937 - May 10, 2021