Carole Lee Courneya

Carole Lee Helen (Anderson) Courneya passed away peacefully at the Frazee Care Center on June 29, 2024. 

Carole Lee was born on July 18, 1939, in Frazee, Minnesota to James and Marie (Fasching) Anderson. She grew up in Frazee and completed her education at Frazee High School. Carole Lee married Steve Courneya on April 11, 1970. She worked at several jobs throughout her life. The most fulfilling was as a secretary at Frazee High School, where she was affectionately known by the students as "Mrs. C." 

A daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—Carole Lee was the best of all of these. Family meant everything to her, and those blessed to be a part of her family felt her love in everything she said and did. She worked hard raising seven kids, and her warmth and strength made her someone they all leaned on for support. Her advice often came with a joke or two, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. She adored her grandchildren and spoiled them with a lot of love and a lot of sugar cookies! Throughout her life she set an example of being a constant source of love and light, even in the hardest times. That light will continue to shine through her family and the countless other lives she has touched. 

Her faith in God was unwavering. A longtime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, attending mass and adoration were for her the most important parts of the week. She spent every morning praying and reading devotionals, letting God's word guide her through each day. "Give it to God," she always said, reminding others they needn't worry about the challenges of life, but rather trust God to get them through to better times. Carole Lee was well-known in the community and loved for her kind words and cheerful nature. 

Together with Steve, she kept a beautiful home and yard near Lake Seven. Her green thumb was on display in the lovely flowers adorning her porch, where she loved to sit and catch up on the day with Steve and her son Heath. For Carole Lee there was no place on Earth more peaceful and beautiful than their porch on a warm summer day, and that was especially due to the company. She had a deep appreciation for nature with a particular affinity for trees and birds. She loved animals and animals loved her, most certainly for her kind and gentle spirit. Her cats brought her a lot of joy, as well as the dogs in her life. She was an excellent cook and baker—her recipe box is a treasure trove. She enjoyed dealing out a hand of 500 Rummy and played with Steve every morning. They got very competitive and there was even money on the line! They are probably running up a good count in the clouds above right now. 

Carole Lee is survived by six children: Liz (Dave), Judy, Tom (Tammy), Jamie (Paul), Nikki (Jimmy), and Heath; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Dennis (Janice); sisters-in-law Carolyn and Judy (Dave); brothers-in-law Dennis, Tim (Faye), and Bryce; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Carole Lee is preceded in death by her husband Steve, son Casey, parents James and Marie, brothers Michael and Jimmy, father- and mother-in-law Gerald and Margaret, and sisters-in-law Julie and Cathy (John). 

The family would like to thank the Frazee Care Center, Hospice, and all of the special people who loved and supported Carole Lee through her illness with cancer until the time of her passing on to God. She deeply appreciated all of you! 

There will be a prayer service for Carole Lee at David-Donehower in Detroit Lakes on Sunday, July 14 at 5:00 pm. The Mass of Christian burial for Carole Lee will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 11:00 am with Father Ilango officiating. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Frazee. 

Furey Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please visit FUREYFH.com or call (218) 334-2461.