Our beloved mother Carol Elizabeth Fraser Jeldness passed away on April 9th, 2026. Born on March 23rd, 1942, in Portland, Oregon, to Jack and Viola Fraser, Carol lived a life filled with purpose, adventure, and an extraordinary love for the people and animals around her.
She grew up in Portland where she made her mark early as a champion on Jefferson High School’s diving team and was honored as Rose Festival Princess. She went on to graduate with honors from the University of Oregon, then built a successful real estate business before pursuing her true calling as a therapist. After earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Oregon State University, she worked as a mediator for the Lassen County District Court.
She and her husband Mark were very active in the recovery community of Susanville, and Carol spent countless hours mentoring women who pursued sobriety and family healing. To that end, she opened Integrative Counseling Services with partner Mary Gilbert, where they provided marriage, family, and adolescent therapy services for many years.
Carol retired at 62 in 2004 and from then on she and Mark lived an adventurous life, much of it off-grid in the mountains with their horses and dogs.
She will be remembered for her charismatic personality, extreme generosity, and mischievous sense of humor, as well as her legendary sweet tooth. She also was an ardent animal lover who rescued many dogs over her lifetime.
Carol was predeceased by her husband, Mark, and is survived by her children, Joelle and Dace, and Chuck, Shelley, and Missy; grandchildren Noah, Courtnie, Joey, and Alex, Payton and Brianna; and many great grandchildren; siblings Kathy, Barbara, and John; and many loving cousins and friends. Carol and Mark were married for 30 years and blended their families when they got married.
A memorial service will be held this summer to share memories and celebrate a life well-lived. Daughter-in-law Shelbi will announce the details on Facebook.
