Obituary: Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie,” Parkdale
Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie”
Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie,” passed away on January 11, 2025, in her home in Parkdale, Oregon.
Karen was born in Yakima, Wash., on October 1, 1946, to parents Joseph (Joe) and Elaine Modlin. The oldest of three girls, her sisters Bobbe and Luanne were welcomed in the years to follow. Their family lived in Sunnyside, Wash., where Karen started primary school. In 1955, they moved as a family to Goldendale, Wash., where she continued the rest of her education.
Karen married Thomas (Butch) Lee Carratt of Centerville, Wash., in 1965, with whom she had two sons, Jeffrey and Jason Carratt. Karen and Butch purchased The Town Tavern in Goldendale, Wash., in 1975 and ran the tavern for the following two years. Karen began working for the Fort Vancouver Library in Goldendale and eventually ran a mobile library called “The Book Mobile.” Karen’s librarian work opened opportunities for her to move to White Salmon, Wash. From there, life and relationships took them to California, Northern Idaho, and back again to Mt. Hood, Oregon.
Karen met the love of her life, David Louiselle, in 1984, and they married on February 14, 1988, in Pine Grove, Oregon. That same year, they purchased The Mt. Hood Country Store and continued to be the face of the store for the following 19 years. Together, with Karen’s eye for design and David’s excellent craftsmanship, they transformed the store to become the beloved landmark and meeting place that it was. Karen and David sold the store in 2007.
Karen’s talents, job titles, passions, and achievements are endless. She waitressed at the China Gorge, drove a school bus, and ran her own mobile homemade soup business. She was often referred to as “The Mt. Hood version of Martha Stewart.” Her talents in the garden knew no limits. She was an avid gardener and made it on the Master Gardener Tour not only once but twice with two different homes. Her talents in the garden overflowed into the kitchen, where she could cook and bake anything. She created her own recipes and elevated any she would follow.
She loved to repurpose old pieces of furniture and sew dresses and nightgowns for her granddaughter. She was the ultimate do-it-yourself type of woman, and she did it all the very best. Karen had a deep love for all creatures, big and small, and a love for her family and friends that knew no bounds.
Karen is survived by her husband David, her two sisters, Barbara Anderson (Bobbe) of The Dalles, Oregon, and Luanne and Doug Mason of Naches, Wash.; sons Jeffrey and Jason (Candi); grandchildren Travis (Hillary), Toby (Luke), and Alex; great-grandsons Lincoln, Jackson, and Turner; and her animals Tilly and Tucker.
She was predeceased by her mother Elaine, father Joe, and her beloved animals Alfie, Niche, Scooter, Bob, Roxy, Seamus, Bella, Henry, Rosy, and Daisy.
Karen requested no memorial but rather a celebration of life that will take place at Mt. Hood Organic Farms on May 17, 2025. If you wish, please honor Karen by donating to the Alzheimer's Association for dementia and Alzheimer's research.
