Carol Ann Nielsen, 60, passed away on April 19, 2016, at The Springs at Whitefish assisted care facility.

Carol was born in Denver, on June 9, 1955, the first child of Roger and Ida Nielsen. As a child she moved with her family to Greeley, Colorado, and then in 1966 to Whitefish, where she attended the Whitefish school system until her graduation in 1973.

While in high school, she followed in her father’s footsteps and began a career at JCPenney. She began work at the Kalispell store and later transferred to Spokane. Soon thereafter, she met and married Steve Bradley in 1980. She relished her role as “Mom” to stepdaughter Kari, foster mom to two young children, and godmother to her nieces and nephews.

Carol and Steve divorced in 1986. She continued her career with JCPenney until 2000, when after 29 years with the company she was forced to leave her employment due to ill health and injury.

At the time, Carol moved back to Whitefish to be near her parents. From then until the time of her passing, she struggled with debilitating effects of severe rheumatoid arthritis, which she had been diagnosed with at age 36. She fought a long, difficult battle and is now free from pain.

Carol had many interests and hobbies, including skiing, volleyball, hiking, crafting, home decorating, reading and helping those in need.

Carol leaves behind brothers Brad (Jennifer) in Whitefish and Curt (Tami) in Anchorage, Alaska; sisters, Leslie in Midland, Texas, and Lisa in Herman, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews, Kyle in Whitefish, Chad and Amber in California, Matthew and Nicole in Texas, and Jesse in Washington. She also leaves behind many relatives throughout the country, as well as many friends in Spokane and Whitefish.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother-in-law, Walt Finch, as well as many extended family members.

Carol has been cremated and a memorial will be held in August at the family home on Skyles Lake near Whitefish.

Austin Funeral Home is caring for Carol’s family.