Michelle Dion Carter, 69
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michelle Dion Carter, at the age of 69, on Dec. 2, 2023. She passed peacefully in her sleep with her loving spouse by her side.
Michelle was born in Torrance, Calif., on March 27, 1954, to Gary and Betty Wheaton. She grew up in Hermosa Beach, under the warm California sun. Eventually moving to the Inland Northwest, she placed her stake on three acres outside the city of Sandpoint, within the trees and mountains, where she raised her five children alongside her husband, Daniel Carter. She grew to love the forest, the robins, the blue jays, and, of course, her hummingbirds.
Michelle enjoyed knitting, reading, nature, the forest, and her totem, the fox. Throughout her life, she was known for her dedication to those she loved, her strong work ethic, and her love of music and dance. She excelled in helping others in her career as a paralegal for three decades, working for her best friend Katie Dullea.
She dedicated herself to her garden, her loving animals, her closest friends, and, of course, her family. Michelle was kind and strong, always going above and beyond for those in need, and was full of compassion for everyone she met.
Although “it was comin’ on Christmas,” as her favorite musician and artist Joni Mitchell sang, she didn’t quite make it to this year’s holiday. Nonetheless, Michelle taught her children that Christmas and snow was so much more than twinkles and presents. Instead, she instilled in them that it was about being present with family and enjoying their light in the cold and dark time of year. Michelle was a fun-loving, kindred light to all she knew.
Michelle is survived by her husband, Daniel Carter; five children, including Rachel Ariella Cail, Kara Ann Elliott, Rebecca Lee Orndorff, Lilly Rose Perez, Lucas Mackenzie McCoy; nine grandchildren, including Anthony Jeffries, Serena Jeffries, Deangelo Neylan Orndorff, Esmond Takeo Orndorff, Liam Usher Perez, Christian MacKenzie Perez, Violet Rose Perez, Adelaide McCoy, Mavis McCoy; and three siblings, Mike Wheaton, Mark Wheaton, Gary Wheaton.
A memorial service to celebrate Michelle’s life will be held in spring 2024. If you knew Michelle, and would like to attend her celebration of life, please let us know by filling out an online form at bit.ly/michelledioncarter.
Michelle Dion Carter will be deeply missed by her spouse, surviving children, and all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation by visiting www.alpha1.org/donate to help with research, and others who are suffering from this genetic disease.
Family and friends are invited to sign Michelle’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.
