Carol Ann Taschler Harkins

Carol Ann Taschler Harkins--devoted wife, incomparable mother, caring sister, and all-around wonderful human being--passed from this life on June 26, 2022. Carol was born February 10, 1936, in Charleston, WV. She was the eldest of nine children, which perhaps honed her nurturing instincts. Carol attended Charleston Catholic High School, where she met her future husband, Jim (James David Harkins). Carol went on to attend Seton Hill College in Pennsylvania, from which she obtained a degree in Home Economics.

She returned to Charleston and worked at United Fuel Gas Co., giving cooking demonstrations, before she and Jim married. Shortly thereafter, they started their family, and relocated to Ashland, KY. Carol was a wonderful mother, bestowing love, discipline, first aid, empathy and encouragement to each of her four children, and sharing with them her tremendous faith in Jesus Christ. She put her considerable Home Ec skills to good use, whether in the kitchen or sewing room, or with the check book.

Once her children became self-sufficient, Carol went back to work, teaching junior high science for a few years (again, thanks to that Home Ec degree and all the chemistry involved!). After the kids were out of the nest, Carol and Jim relocated to Portland, OR, in 1988. They purchased an AlphaGraphics franchise in downtown Portland and enjoyed being co-owners of their own business and spending free time with friends at Portland Golf Club. As her business career wound down, Carol continued to play golf. She also volunteered for the PGC Archives Committee and the Assistance League of Greater Portland, reflecting the kindness that was one of her hallmarks.

Never one to pass up a good outing, Carol happily joined her children and grandchildren on occasional trips. Destinations included Seaside, Skamania, Maine and Boston, the South of France, Austin, TX, and Crater Lake. She and daughter Barbara enjoyed a near cross-country trip when Barb moved from Kentucky to Portland. They criss-crossed the land, stopping where their curiosity took them. Carol was a great traveling companion--very flexible, adventurous and fun-loving. Her children feel incredibly blessed to have had Carol for their mother. There was tremendous love, faith, strength, character and kindness packed inside her small frame.

Carol is predeceased by her husband, Jim; parents, Joseph and Loretta Taschler; sisters JoEtta Taschler Preston and Kimberly Taschler; and brother Joseph Taschler, Jr.. She is survived by her children James Harkins, Barbara Harkins, Cynthia Harkins and Constance Harkins (Doug Newby); by her grandchildren Emma Harkins and Catherine Harkins; by her sisters Mary (Cookie) (John Gorman), Rita (Ray Casserly), Kathy (Tom Joseph), Chris (Bill Courtney) and Karen (Eliot Hancart); and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wishes to specifically thank Joana Olaru and her staff at Alpine House for caring so thoughtfully and lovingly for Carol in her last months. A funeral Mass for Carol will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 22, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Oswego, OR.

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