Carole McNerney

Carole Anne McNerney (maiden name Sigler) was born in Hood River, Oregon in September 1934. She resided in Parkdale, Oregon for the next 18 years. She attended Parkdale high school excelling in academics and music. When not participating in school activities, hiking or scaling the summit of Mount Hood, she worked on her father’s farm and in the Parkdale theatre, a stage and movie house built by her father, Jack Sigler, in the 1930s. Following high school graduation Carole left Parkdale and married Jerry Ogden McNerney, also from Parkdale, who was attending Willamette University. They remained married for the next 71 years. Carole was an accomplished professional pianist and organist. She played the organ in various churches over 60 years. Additionally, she held piano recitals and led choirs throughout her career. Her talent for music was enhanced by her degree in Music at Marylhurst College. In parallel to playing Carole amassed an impressive library of organ sheet music over the years. Beyond music Carole’s life was defined by her commitment to her family and unquenchable desire for adventurous travel. She took innumerable trips throughout Europe while visiting her son and grandchildren, explored parts of the Soviet Union, Asia and Central America. Yet, the height of this spirit was represented in her and her husband’s missionary trip to Vengurla, India, where they renovated a dental clinic and helped refurbish a Christian church. When asked how Carole wished to be remembered, she responded, “I want to be remembered as a dedicated Christian, a loving wife and mother, a person deeply interested in music, art, travel and reading, and importantly, as a person who loved a clean house”. She will be assuredly remembered for all of that. Carole is predeceased by her husband, Jerry McNerney. Carole is survived by her brother Ron Sigler of Portland, Oregon, her daughter Jeri Lyn Reinertsen (Chris) of Tigard, Oregon, son Jon (Cathy) McNerney of London, England, and daughter, Lee Ann McNerney of Tualatin, Oregon, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday December 13th at Lake Grove Presbyterian in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Carole McNerney

September 20, 1934 - November 25, 2024