Carol Ann Helwig Spencer, age 81, passed away peacefully in her son's arms on Friday, May 21, 2021. She will be missed by everyone who knew her most especially her family. She always had a smile and her laugh was contagious. She opened her heart to everyone.

Carol was born at General Hospital in Los Angeles on June 19, 1939. She attended Miramonte elementary school, Gage Jr. Hi. School, and Huntington Park High School. Her first job was at Newberry's in Huntington Park when she was 15. She worked for 33 happy story filled years at "Ma Bell" Pacific Bell Telephone in Los Angeles.

After retirement, she moved to Huntington Beach for short time then moved to Oregon to be with her family. The beach played an important part in her youth. The Pike in Long Beach, Belmont Shore, Cherry Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach were favorite sand and surf. Visits to Catalina each year were memorable. Family vacations to Crestline, Arrowhead, Big Bear, and Big Sur in her dads big four door 1936 Oldsmobile Sedan were cramped and crowded. Mother and Father in front seat, sleeping bags, three girls and a dog in the back seat. Tied on top was camping gear and tents and hung over the sides of the fenders were water bags and other equipment.
As a child Carol had many pets, her first love was a dalmatian called Dutch. That was the beginning of a great love affair with four legged friends. Carol was a sunny, cheerful child and loved playing in the playhouse her father built. There are many happy memories of her dressing up Dutch for tea parties and birthday celebrations. One of her dreams was to be a tap dancer, dancing and music brought joy to her heart.
She had a great love for her son and family, loving, generous always a positive word of encouragement. Many hours were spent together in happy laughter and funny stories. She was preceded in death by her parents Maybelle Helwig and Robert Helwig.
She is survived by Jake, Roxy and Charlie, her constant furry friends who watched over her until she took God's hand; also, her devoted son Robert "Rob" Spencer; her sisters Benne Nichols, Bobbie Helwig-Ferris; grandchildren, Britney Taylor, Aaron Spencer, Veronica McKinnis; and great-granddaughter, Leila Taylor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of New Hope in Green, OR on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.