Caroline Diewold

Caroline Louis Diewold passed on March 19th 2014 at 7:39am with her husband Adam, Son Dale Jr, Son Jeff and Daughter in-law Terri by her side.

Caroline was born March 28th 1936 in Colville, Washington. She graduated from Burlington High School, Burlington, Washington.

Caroline is survived by her husband Adam Diewold of Ferndale, sons Dale Sprague Jr. of Ferndale WA, Jeff & Terri Sprague of Lynden WA, step-son Keith Diewold of Mission, British Columbia, step-daughter Jan Dunn of Surrey, British Columbia, and sister Estelle Coons from Sedro Woolley, Washington. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Caroline was a world renowned roller skating coach who coached at over 20 skating rinks. She was a skating rink owner, operator and coach at Pioneer Ska-Teen Center in Ferndale, WA, while married to Dale Sprague Sr. She coached skaters from the United States, Canada, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Germany. She started skating at age 11 and began coaching at age 20 which continued for the next 58 years. She started as a speed skater then branched out into the artistic field of skating figures, freestyle and dance with Dale Sprague Sr.

On August 11th 1984 Caroline married her husband of 30 years, Adam Diewold of Surrey British Columbia, and resided in Ferndale WA. She had two fun and loveable Miniature Schnauzers’s named CB (alias Caroline’s Baby) and Zoey who currently reside with Adam. Adam and Caroline recently renewed their vows on March 9th, 2014 which was a beautiful small ceremony at their home with family in Ferndale, Washington.

Caroline was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and after being a survivor and cancer free for 5 years received the news that she once again had been diagnosed with cancer (Ovarian cancer) which ultimately turned into peritoneal cancer of the stomach. Once again she was faced with one of life’s biggest challenges and just as she had done before she faced it head on. No matter what time of day or night, Caroline, when asked how she was, always said “I’m Fine” and of course in Caroline fashion, said it with a smile. She did everything that was asked of her by doctors and others without ever complaining. That was just Caroline. An amazing person inside and out and always worried about others before herself.

She was and always will be an inspiring mother, teacher and coach to the thousands of people who had the privilege of meeting her. She continuously taught her son’s Dale & Jeff about what’s important in life and never to judge others. She taught her boys by her words and example to be loving, caring, accepting, patient, understanding, forgiving, hardworking, and to be thankful for what you have and not what you don’t have in your life. The amazing part about Caroline is that no matter whether she was your coach, your friend, your mom, your grandmother, your sister, your aunt, your competitor or a friendly acquaintance, she taught all of us how to treat others and how to live with grace.

Caroline loved being around family. She was very close to her grandchildren and loved them with all of her heart. She felt very blessed to have gotten to know her great-grandchildren and learn about another one on the way before she passed. All of Caroline’s grandchildren will forever be impacted by the wonderful and loving grandmother that they had.

One of her favorite places to go with her family and friends every year after the U.S. Nationals to relax was Canon Beach Oregon. She loved to shop in the little quaint stores, walking on the beach while looking at Haystack Rock and enjoy a bowl of clam chowder, shrimp cocktail and cheese cread at Mo’s Restaurant.

Caroline really enjoyed family holidays whether it was Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, birthdays etc. Whether it was organizing the event, putting on the event, or cleaning up after the event she was always right there helping and doing what needed to be done. Her biggest concern was to make it special for everyone that was there, especially her grandchildren. At no time did she ever think about what she wanted or needed and instead put everyone else first. No matter what type of holiday or event she was at she always made sure to talk to everyone to see how they were doing and to make sure that everyone had been introduced to everyone else so that all there felt comfortable.

Caroline’s giving heart and positive attitude will always be remembered by us all. Whether it was at the cancer clinic where she would go around and talk to other patients and staff to brighten their day while she was there for her chemo treatment, or just visiting with family in her front room, she was concerned about you and not herself. She has affected all of us more than words could ever say. We have all been blessed to have been a part of her amazing journey thru life. She will be truly loved and missed forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Whatcom Hospice.

Caroline’s celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 27th from 12pm – 4pm at Lynden Skateway, 421 Judson Street, Lynden WA 98264