Carol Anne Wilson (McKinnon)

Carol Anne Wilson (McKinnon) passed away in Seattle on October 12, 2026. She was a woman with a personality all her own, a creative spirit, a sharp sense of humor, and a resilience that carried her through life's many twists and turns. She lived life in her own way, with her own style, interests, and a talent for making ordinary moments memorable.

Born to Leo and Eleanor McKinnon on September 1, 1943, Carol Anne grew up alongside her siblings, including her twin brother, Dan. Together with their Kinerk cousins, they shared a childhood full of fun, laughter, adventures, and mischief. Those years created countless memories and stories that would be treasured for generations.

Carol Anne was lovingly known by many names, including Sissy, Mama, Auntie, Wife, and Gran. Her children, Kathy Cook, Keith Cook, and Dominic Ellern; her grandson, Leo Cook; her husband, Wolfe Wilson; and her siblings, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren held special places in her heart. She had a generous spirit and a way of making people feel they belonged.

Carol Anne loved having fun. She enjoyed a good joke, a little mischief, and making the most of time spent together. She had a knack for turning everyday experiences into lasting memories. The lilt in her voice when she greeted loved ones said it all. Her hello carried such genuine excitement and affection that each person felt special. It was a small but unforgettable expression of who she was.

Creativity was central to Carol Anne's life. She had style, an artist's heart, and a keen eye for beauty. She could make any place beautiful, whether through decorating a room, tending a garden, or creating a piece of art. For many years, she had her own fused-glass studio, where she immersed herself in her work and created unique pieces. She also loved finding tiny trees in unexpected places and transforming them into bonsai, some of which she cared for over 30 years. Her graphic art was another important part of her creative life, and she created thousands of pieces over the years. She shared her many forms of art with others, giving pieces as gifts and thank-you presents and selling her work. Art was one of the many ways she expressed herself and connected with others, leaving a little piece of her creativity with the people who received her work.

Carol Anne took pride in her own appearance, too. Even when she was just going for a walk in the woods, she made sure her eyebrows were done. She was going to look good wherever she went. That was Carol Anne, always true to herself and her own sense of style.

She appreciated life's pleasures, including sweets, a stiff drink, a smoke, and, of course, laughter. She also had a particular fondness for root beer floats, one of her favorite treats. Those who knew her will remember her distinctive tastes, her humor, and her unmistakable way of doing things.

She leaves behind her children, Kathy, Keith, and Dominic; her grandson, Leo; her husband, Wolfe; her brothers, Dan, Larry (Michele), and Tom; her nieces, nephews, cousins, and many extended family members and friends.

Carol Anne was preceded in death by her sisters, Kathleen and Mary; her brother, John; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law, Linda, Deborah, Victoria, and Linda.

Carol Anne will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her creativity, humor, mischief, unmistakable voice, personal style, and the light and laughter she brought to the lives of those around her.

Rosario Beach holds a special place in the family's heart, bringing back childhood memories, adventures, and years of shared experiences. The family plans to gather there in the summer of 2027 to remember Carol Anne, share stories, laugh together, and celebrate her life.