Obituary
Longtime Portland resident, Carole Elsen died at her home on Sunday, July 29, 2018 with her daughter and sister by her side. She was 77.
Carole Lee Robertson was born on August 17, 1940 in Portland, Oregon to Louis and Norma (Thompson) Robertson. Carole grew up in Portland and attended Madison High School. In 1958 she Married Anthony Pappas and relocated to California while he served in the military. They had three children, Nicholas, Kelli and Terri. They later divorced.
Carole moved back to Portland and in 1971 she married George Elsen. They later divorced.
In April 1975, Carole met longtime companion and the love of her life, Whitey Coker.
During her working career she worked for several freight line companies as a claims examiner. The most recent being Stor-Dor Forwarding Company and USF Reddaway, where she retired from. Carole had many hobbies. The years she spent with Whitey were full of adventure. They spent time camping, fishing, rafting and going on road trips to the beach and to the mountains. The two of them were up for just about anything. She was artistic, liked to paint, and at one time, designed clothing, just for fun. She was an avid reader, often reading several books at one time. She loved pajama parties with her cousin Alexis and friend Lindy, where they would stay up all night watching movies. She and her friends kept in contact by meeting monthly at Stanfords for their "happy hour" get togethers. She loved jazz and enjoyed attending blues and jazz festivals. By far, her favorite pastime was shopping. She loved buying gifts for loved ones, as well as clothing and accessories for her fashionista self. She had great taste and was always dressed impeccably. She especially loved purses and had a large collection.
Carole had a very positive attitude, felt that holding a grudge was a waste of energy and was always happy and smiling. Carole was very charitable and sometimes went without so that she could help others. Above all, Carole loved her family. Her grandchildren would say that she was the best grandma ever. When they were small she often had sleepovers at her house, which usually included arts and crafts projects. And of course there were shopping trips with Olivia and Isabella! Her grandchildren meant everything to her and she was very proud of each of them.
She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Carole was preceded in death by her mother, father, son Nicholas, daughter Kelli, sisters Judy Wiese and Billie Paetel and companion Whitey Coker. She is survived by her daughter Terri Daschel of Clackamas, brother Bill Elliott of Estacada, sisters Linda Main of Estacada, Debbie Elliott of Sandy, Katie Policar of Camas, Washington, 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends....all of whom loved her dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 3rd at Sah-Hah-Lee Golf Course, 17104 SE 130th Ave, Clackamas, Oregon, from 1-4pm. Please feel free to bring photos and stories to share. Private interment at a future date.