Carole Christopher

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carole Rene Christopher, who peacefully departed this world on April 30, 2024, at the age of 87. Carole was born on March 25, 1937, in Wendell, Idaho, to John and Irene Hosman. Growing up as the middle child of three, she cherished her roots in Jerome, Idaho, where she spent her formative years. At the tender age of 14, Carole faced a daunting battle with Polio, spending nine months confined to an Iron Lung. Yet, her resilience shone through, and though challenged by post-polio syndrome in 1992 leading to a permanent tracheostomy, she embraced life with unwavering tenacity and grace. Following her recovery from Polio and high school graduation, Carole moved to Denver, Colorado, where she pursued an associate's degree in X-ray technology. It was in Denver that she crossed paths with a young surgical resident, Dr. Albert Petrone, whom she later married on September 13, 1958, at the Catholic Church in Jerome, Idaho. The couple spent much of their life in Denver, with Carole being a homemaker, a mother, and a volunteer in the Catholic Church. They raised four beautiful children together: Mark, Rebecca, Alesia, and Phillip. Eventually, work took them to Macomb, Illinois, where Dr. Petrone finished his medical career, and Carole continued to manage home and religious activities. Their retirement led them to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where they made lifelong friends and enjoyed extensive world travels, entertaining friends, and attending church. Carole was known for her gourmet cooking, and her parties were always well attended. After Albert's passing, Carole found companionship and love again with Jim Christopher, whom she married in the spring of 2011. They shared six adventurous years together until Jim's passing. In 2017, Carole made the decision to relocate closer to family, settling at Mackenzie Place in Ft. Collins, Colorado, with her faithful pup, Rosie. At Mackenzie Place, Carole embraced a vibrant community, cultivating deep bonds through shared passions for cards, games, and art, all while savoring many great moments over a glass of scotch with friends in the Pub. Carole peacefully departed this world surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her daughters, Rebecca (Dan) Halstrom and Alesia Petrone, her son, Phillip (Jolin) Petrone, and her sister, Jane Hosman. Her memory further lives on in her seven grandchildren: Paige (Dr. Austin) Johnson, Alexandra, Tucker, and Isabella Schweigert, Jacob (Natalie) Halstrom, Morgan Petrone, and Joseph Halstrom. She is preceded in death by her brother, Chuck Hosman, her son, Mark Petrone, and her husbands, Dr. Albert Petrone and James Christopher. A small celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 7th at 2:00 pm in the Ballroom at MacKenzie Place In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Catholic Charities of Central Colorado. https://www.ccharitiescc.org/donate/