It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our devoted daughter, sister and aunt, steadfast
friend, admired school counselor, avid collector, gifted writer and voracious reader, Carrie L. Harper on
December 12, 2019.
Born in Milwaukee, WI on November 18, 1952 to Ludie and Beverly Harper, Carrie passed away
peacefully in the loving care of family, dear friends and the staff of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice in
Sheboygan Falls, WI after a three year, hard fought battle with stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. Carrie
was truly a remarkable woman of uncommon courage and strength in the face of relentless challenges
during her cancer journey. She exhibited a true fighting spirit until the end.
Carrie graduated from Robert M. La Follette High School, Madison WI in 1971 and went on to pursue a
BA in Psychology from UW Eau Claire and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from UW River Falls.
Carrie began her career in counseling at the Minnesota School for Juveniles in Red Wing, MN. Following
graduate school, Carrie relocated to Pulaski, WI where she briefly worked for the Pulaski School District
before embarking on what would become her lifelong career, as the first Elementary Guidance
Counselor for the Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah School District, retiring in 2011 after 33 years. Carrie
impacted the lives of many students, children and families throughout her career.
Music was always an important part of her life and Carrie enjoyed playing many musical instruments
including the piano, violin, clarinet, guitar and banjo. Carrie found joy in perusing various antique shops
and visiting any book store along the way in her travels. Her interests were many and included
collections from the Chicago World’s Fair, various, unique musical instruments, exotic wooden pens and
yoyo’s and old and collector coin sets. She was also a gifted artist who created beautiful stained glass
lamps and kaleidoscopes, handmade unique stone jewelry and beautiful woven and feathered dream
catchers.
Carrie is survived by her mother, Beverly Harper of Madison, sister, Kathy (Michael) McCormick of
DeForest, WI and nephews, Andy (Jen) McCormick, great-nephews Logan and Lucas of Waunakee, WI,
Chris (Jenny Smecko) McCormick of McFarland, WI, brother James (Kay) Harper of Boise, ID and
nephews, Cole (Marcie) Harper and great-nephews, Marcus, Hendrix and Corbin of Boise, ID, Grae
(Janne) Harper of Boise, ID, sister, Judi (Ken) Malecha of Northfield MN and niece Abby Malecha of
Burnsville MN, special and dear friends Kevin and Barb Swanson of Green Bay, WI, Ann and Len Juneau
of Plymouth, WI and Laura and Mark Nevins of Plymouth, WI. Several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends
also mourn her passing.
Carrie was preceded in death by her father, Ludie, grandparents, Mamie and Elmer Swanson and
nephew, Jake Malecha.
At Carrie’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation. A Celebration of Life in Carrie’s honor will be
held Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Amore Banquet Hall, 18 W. Mill St. Plymouth, WI from 1:00-3:30 PM.
Please bring your fond memories and stories to share, reminisce and celebrate.
Carrie has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in her name to METAvivor
Breast Cancer Research and Support, 1783 Forest Dr. #184, Annapolis MD, 21401 or to her sister, Kathy
to be used toward a 2020 fundraiser in her name for METAvivor.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. For online condolences, please
visit www.suchonfh.com.
Carrie’s family wishes to send heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kumar, Nurse Navigator Debbie Gray and the entire
care team at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Sheboygan, WI for their excellent care and kind service
to Carrie.
