Caryl Faye Coxey

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. - Caryl Faye Coxey, 87, of Big Bear Lake, tragically passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19. Caryl was an incredibly strong fighter her entire life, but the insidious, sinister pandemic virus proved itself to be unconquerable.

Caryl was born on Sept. 12, 1933, and raised in Neenah, Wisconsin, the daughter of Alvin and Elsie Laflin. Her parents owned the DX gas station next to the home and it was there that developed her dear love of cars and driving. One beautiful autumn, Caryl drove to Minocqua, Wisconsin to play her beloved golf.  There she met the love of her life, Clyde W. Coxey. They wed a mere two months later on Dec. 27, 1955, and were married for more than 58 years.

They settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for Clyde to attend the University of Michigan, then onto Muskegon, Michigan, for work and to start a family. The next move was to Livonia, Michigan, for the same reason. Business opportunities brought the family to Orange County, California, in 1974. They missed the seasons, so in 1985, they relocated to Big Bear Lake. Caryl would always tell people she lived on top of a mountain. There, they further pursued and expanded their company, Oak Tree Business Systems.

In the mountains they enjoyed boating, hiking, cross country skiing, volunteering at Oktoberfest, socializing, entertaining and being active members of Big Bear Elks Club 1787. Caryl took much care and pride in maintaining a beautiful home and sparklingly clean car. As much as they loved Big Bear, they loved Bessemer, Michigan, and traveled there to the family home several times a year, especially enjoying the Fourth of July, beautiful fall colors and meeting friends at the American Legion.

A couple of special things that always brought a tear to Caryl's eye were her three beautiful granddaughters, remembering and telling the story of when Clyde was Exalted Ruler of the Elks in California and the team won the National Ritual Competition in 2000-2001, and watching and listening to Marty's Goldenaires. A very special note of thanks here to Caryl's compassionate Elks friends who looked out for her, especially when she didn't arrive at the Elks Club promptly at 3 p.m. for her daily visit.

Caryl was a very proud woman who will be remembered as an elegant, organized, determined and stoic lady who enjoyed dressing immaculately from head to toe and putting her best foot forward with a smile for those she greeted. She was a role model for her strength - a one of a kind lady who will be in our hearts forever.

Survivors include a daughter, Cathy Jo Coxey Lindquist (Niels); granddaughters, Kaya Coxey Ervin (Jamie), Kelly Coxey Lindquist and Marae Coxey Lindquist; and sisters-in-law, Nelda Coxey and Marilyn Coxey.

Caryl was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Clyde W. Coxey; daughters, Cary and Cheryl; infant son, Charles; brothers, Jon and Don Laflin; her brother-in-law, Clare Coxey; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Laflin.

A note of thanks from Caryl's family to the care team at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin. A very special thank you to care provider Teri; your presence filled her days with love and her last day with peace.

To a beautiful mom and momoo, Goodnight Sweetheart.

Due to COVID, a celebration of Caryl's life will take place, hopefully in the summer of 2021, in Big Bear Lake and in Bessemer. Be ready to clink a can of Bud Light!

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.