Carol Ellen Timmerman

Carol E. (Engelhardt) Timmerman, 89, passed away at home in her lovely casita in Chimayo, New Mexico on July 25, 2022. She was born in northeast Iowa in 1933 to Agnes (Vollbrecht) and Donald Englehardt. She grew up working on the family dairy farm, so came equipped with many mid-western colloquialisms. She married Robert (Bob) Timmerman in 1954, and raised three children: Kenneth Alan, Donald William and Pamela Jo (PJ). Carol was the quintessential “Kool-Aid Mom” and all her kids’ friends wanted to adopt her. The rule was, you could borrow her, but you had to give her back!

The family lived in a number of states as Bob served as a conservation officer, then as a wildlife refuge manager. Living on wildlife refuges nurtured Carol’s love of nature, wildlife and birds. Carol worked in a variety of professions, including many years as a nurse’s aide in a care center in Colorado. Her compassion, work ethic and wit made her a favorite of the residents and staff alike. Many of her coworkers called her “Mom” (except, ironically, her two children who worked there, who called her “Carol”).

Carol faced more than her share of adversity, but faced it with grace and a sometimes wicked sense of humor. She was smart and witty, and just a wee bit stubborn (well, not such a wee bit). She was the fount of knowledge the entire family called for obscure information – she had an amazing memory. She loved knitting and crocheting baby blankets, and the lucky recipients of her blankets will be hugged by Carol forever. She enjoyed feeding hummingbirds, bowling, reading, doing puzzles, and playing Scrabble and the card game 500. Carol also believed in helping others, she still helped pack pet food for people in need until Covid hit. She kept the whole team operating smoothly, and if she wasn’t there we were like sheep in need of a border collie. She was adventurous – going whitewater rafting even though she didn’t know how to swim, riding in the sidecar of Don’s motorcycle, climbing mountains in Colorado by herself (giving her kids grey hair), and visiting PJ and Dave in Germany, including a sliding adventure in the Bavarian salt mines!

It seems like 89 years is a long life, but it still feels like cancer stole her away from us too soon. We have a Carol-shaped hole in our hearts. But we will keep her in our hearts and minds by telling Carol stories, and remembering to laugh as she would do.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Agnes Engelhardt, husband Bob Timmerman, brother Richard Engelhardt, son Don Timmerman, daughter-in-law Suzi Timmerman, and several much-loved dogs. She is survived by her sister Donna Anderson; son Ken Timmerman; daughter PJ Timmerman (David Juarez); grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, including Jason and Theo Timmerman, and Brittney and Sterling Agnes; and many adored nieces and nephews, as well as their children and grands.

The family will hold a memorial service at the Old Stone Church near Ridgeway, Iowa, followed by a gathering at the Ridgeway Community Center on September 4, 2022. In lieu of flowers, if you would

like to honor Carol, some of her favorite charities were the New Mexico Wildlife Center, Española Humane, and Longhopes Donkey Shelter.

The family of Carol has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to Rivera Family Funeral Home in the beautiful Espanola Valley. We invite you to post a condolence, a thoughtful message, a photograph or share a memory for the family to read on the guestbook at www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com (505)753-2288