Carole Elaine Cristee Deily

UPDATE! - Service (Saturday February 5, 2022) has been postponed -

New date February 26, 2022 at 11:00am!

Carole Elaine Cristee Deily passed away peacefully on Jan 23, 2022.

Born on May 19, 1935, in Columbus Ohio to a railroad inspector, Wellington (Duke) Cristee and his wife, Ethel Carroll Cristee. Carole, called “Elaine” in her youth, was the oldest of 3 children. She enjoyed ballet, music, reading and learning languages. In particular, she became proficient at speaking French and became President of the French Club. At age 16, Carole spent a summer as an exchange student in Quebec City, Montreal to immerse herself in the language. Carole always had a love of learning.

After high school, Carole attended Ohio State University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in French Language. She met and married Myron Deily in 1955, starting an adventurous life in Latin America from 1957-1972, living in various places including Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Their four children, Chris, Steve, Sylvia and Jessie were born during this time getting to experience a rich, cultural upbringing. Carole also became proficient at speaking Spanish.

In 1972, Carole and her family moved to Plano, Texas and she went back to school to get her Master’s degree in Library Science at the University of North Texas. She began her lifelong career at the Plano Public Library as a reference librarian, enjoying her career there for 36 years kindly helping and serving the library patrons. She even continued to work part-time after formal retirement. Part of her love of books and wish to encourage reading was expressed by writing book reviews for the Plano Profile and writing a column entitled Ex Libris. She informed avid readers for so many years.

Carole found her church home in 1974 at Christ United Methodist Church. Carole made many friends through the CUMC choir, singing with the choir every Sunday morning and for many special church choral events. She participated in two CUMC mission trips to Bolivia. Carole’s life in Plano was also enriched by participating in the Plano Civic Chorus, her book club, her writers’ group, and in classes through the Sam Johnson Senior Recreation Center.

In 1983, Carole met Phil McClure. They found companionship in that they had similar interests and love of cultural events. They delighted in going to the movies, museums and symphonies, and having dinner with friends. They also traveled in the U.S. and internationally to Italy, France, Turkey and Greece.

In 1995, Carole was diagnosed with breast cancer. She met this challenge with dignity and strength. She was bolstered by the love of her family and friends. Her faith in God and appreciation for life were strengthened by this experience, and all those around her were inspired by her resilience.

Carole always had a love of nature, often planting flowers and watching for hummingbirds and bunnies in her yard. Her biggest joy came from being involved in her grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives. At every opportunity, “Grandma Carole” would attend sporting events, recitals, graduations, showers, and weddings. Carole always had her camera in hand to capture these special times, as she loved keeping up with everyone's activities.

Carole is survived by her brothers and their wives, Robert and Barbara Cristee and Dave and Greta Cristee of Charleston, West Virginia. Carole is survived by her companion of 39 years, Phil McClure. She is also survived by her children and their spouses: Chris and Diane Deily, Steve and Laura Deily, Sylvia Deily and William Tucker, and Jessica and Charles Tiongson. Her grandchildren and their spouses include Allison and Cason White, Julianne and Ben Lasher, Liz and Matt Leaverton, Katherine Deily, Anna Deily, and Zachary Tiongson and fiance Hannah Massey.

Her great grandchildren include Madeline, Clara, Abby Ruth and Eleanor White, Brooks and Lyle Lasher, and Clark and James Leaverton.

The Celebration of Life Service will be at Christ United Methodist Church Plano on February 26, at 11:00 AM with a brief reception. For those who cannot attend the service will be livestreamed at: https://vimeo.com/671676932/f419ab3b4e

A private inurnment of ashes will take place after the service.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Silver Leaf Assisted Living, Chalfont house, for their excellent and tender care of our Mother during the last months of her life.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075, 972-596-4303

www.cumc.com