Carol Lynn Cardinel

Carol Lynn Cardinel passed away peacefully at the age of 78, surrounded by her entire loving family at The Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene Idaho on November 25, 2025. She was a loving mother, and wife of 56 years to her husband Bob, until his passing.

Carol was born on February 26, 1947 in Lynwood, California to Lyndel L. and Evelyn M. Shaw. She grew up with one older brother, Geary Shaw. The family lived in Garden Grove, California where Carol attended Loara High School. While attending high school, her good friend Donna introduced her to a fellow classmate, Robert A Cardinel. Bob and Carol were married shortly after graduation on June 3, 1967. Bob began his working career right away working for GTE as a lineman, while Carol was a homemaker and spent most of her days at the beach enjoying time with her friends and family. She was a true California girl, basking in the sun, working on her tan. Within a few years, their first son Jeffrey R Cardinel was born on July 23, 1969. A few years later their second son Douglas W Cardinel was born on March 22, 1973.

The next year, an opportunity arose for Bob to accept a new job for GTE out of state. The family packed up all of their belongings and moved to Orofino, Idaho in 1974. This was quite a drastic change from sunny beaches to mountains and trees, which Carol fully embraced. They enjoyed the small town community as well as camping and fishing on Dworshak Reservoir. Carol spent her days raising the boys and enjoying everything the area had to offer.

In 1979 Bob accepted another job opportunity and promotion as an Operations Manager for GTE in Sandpoint, Idaho. Once again the family packed up and moved farther North. As Jeff and Doug grew up, Carol learned the art of tying flies at home. She enjoyed her days at the City Beach, which reminded her so much of her home in California. Carol eventually went to work in the titling department for a mobile home dealer. This experience led her to a new job as a Clerk and then Supervisor at the Sandpoint DMV. There she made many new friends.

Carol had fun bowling with Jeff and even joined her own bowling league. She also loved traveling with Bob and Doug on their many fishing tournaments throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Carol enjoyed many beloved pets throughout the years, including their Springer Spaniel hunting dog Rusty, Russian Blue cat Smokey and especially their Scottish Terrier Katie.

After Jeff and Doug graduated high school and moved away to begin their careers, Bob and Carol moved once again. In 1993, they moved to Hayden, Idaho where Bob accepted a new promotion as an Engineer for GTE/Verizon and Carol began working as the Supervisor for the Coeur d’ Alene DMV. Carol thrived in her career and made friends with many of her co-workers (The DMV Divas). She had continued her cherished friendships throughout her years, meeting on a monthly or weekly basis for lunches, shopping or long phone conversations.

Doug met and married his wife, Carla and they welcomed their first son, Connor in 1997. Their daughter, Sydney was born in 1999 and their youngest son, Dalton was born in 2002. The highlight of Carol and Bob’s lives were having three grandchildren to enjoy and spoil. They dedicated every available moment to their grandkids, including sleepovers at their house, school functions or the kid’s sporting events. Never missing one child’s activity. Carol spent countless hours with her grandkids playing in the backyard and setting up croquet courses, going to the park, playing cards, watching Disney movies, building blanket forts, playing pool in the family room, going to the beach, taking annual trips to the Oregon coast and having a blast at Triple Play.

Carol loved spending evenings and weekends cheering on her favorite sports teams, including the Mariners, Gonzaga and the Seahawks. She shared this love of sports with her husband as well as her close friends.

Carol took great pride in tending to her yard, plants, trees and flowers. It was evident that she had an amazing green thumb.

Music was a big part of Carol’s life. She and Bob enjoyed listening to many great old country artists like Don Williams, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and especially her favorite Willie Nelson.

In September of 2025, after living 32 years in their home in Hayden, Carol made the decision to move North once again. This time she bravely and eagerly moved to Spirit Lake, Idaho to live with her son Doug and his wife Carla, in order to be close to family and revel in their love and support.

If there was ever a definition of a Lady with Grace, that would describe Carol perfectly. She was always very caring, giving, gracious and kind to all.

Carol endured many battles with her health over the years. She was so very strong and positive, she always persevered through whatever new illness or condition occurred. Carol always said that as long as she had her family around her, she could get through anything.

Carol is survived by her son, Doug Cardinel (Carla), grandchildren, Connor Cardinel, Sydney Akre (Reuben), Dalton Cardinel and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A Cardinel, son Jeffrey Cardinel, father Lyndel Shaw, mother Evelyn Shaw, brother Geary Shaw, father-in-law Robert W Cardinel and mother-in-law Leona Cardinel.

Interment will be held privately with the family.