Carrie Rae O’Hern

Carrie Rae O’Hern lost her battle with cancer on December 19, 2017 at 59 years old.  She passed away peacefully with her son Justin at her side.

Carrie was born on April 18, 1958 in Vancouver, WA to Gary and Gail O’Hern.  Her love for animals and the outdoors began at a young age.  She was active in Campfire Girls for many years, and even had the lead in the Campfire Christmas play.  She loved riding her horses, Sugar and Boots.  Boots learned how to escape and was able to let Sugar out.   Carrie, her mom and sister could often be seen chasing the horses down in the middle of the night!  Her brother remembers when she received a 45 record player and a single record, “The Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson.  She played it over, and over, and over again.  She travelled the country with her high school sweetheart Blaine, who raced Motocross.  She was his one woman pit crew, goggle cleaner, and pep talker.  She was very proud and supportive when her son Justin began racing Motocross and was happy to do the same for him.

Carrie worked at Safeway in her younger years, then moved on to boat charters and catering before starting her own home cleaning business.  Most of her clients considered Carrie a close friend and some would even consider her part of their family.

Carrie was always willing to help anyone in need, including animals.  She referred to herself as the “Crazy Cat Lady” because she fed all of the strays in the neighborhood.  After feeding one in particular for quite some time, it seemed to be a little “overfed.”  She eventually found out that it was the neighbor’s cat who would eat at home and then come over to Carrie’s for more!

Carrie was an excellent cook and catered weddings and parties, as well as every holiday and family event.  She loved to experiment and try new recipes and eagerly awaited the family’s verdict on whether it was a keeper or not.

One of Carrie’s greatest sources of joy and happiness was her grandson, Justin Gary.  She picked him up from daycare every other Friday and spent the weekend at her son and daughter-in-law’s house, doing whatever it was that her grandson wanted.  It didn’t take him long to figure out that he could get almost anything he wanted from Grandma Carrie!  They were best buddies.

Carrie is survived by her son, Justin F. Herger (wife, Tarah); grandson, Justin G. Herger; mother, Gail O’Hern; brother, Patrick O’Hern (wife, Marlina); sister, Kristina Artz (husband, Frank), and nephews Joseph O’Hern and Jeremy O’Hern.  She is preceded in death by her father, Gary O’Hern.

Carrie requested that a service not be held for her, but instead wanted a celebration of life party which will be held at a later date.