Carol Lee Gainer

On November 26, 2017, Carol Lee Wiggins Olson Gainer went joyfully to the Summerland accompanied by her beloved horse Copper King (1954-1988) in spirit. She was born in 1942 in Winona, MN to Leland Edward Wiggins and his wife, Mabel Cecilia (Johnson) Wiggins. She graduated from Winona Senior High School and attended Luther College and University of Wisconsin-Madison. She graduated cum laude from La Crosse State College (now University) and attended the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison. In 1964 she married David Olson in Madison; they were later divorced. She became engaged to George Pritchard. He died Aug. 10, 1975. She married Joel Gainer Sept., 2, 1979; he died March 25, 2009.

She was active in her union and in 1985 was selected as the AFL-CIO Wisconsin Woman-of-the Year. She ran for Mayor of Madison in 1982 and served on the International Women’s Committee of AFSCME for nine years. She was appointed by Gov. Tony Earl to the Comparable Worth Task Force and the Child Care Task Force. In 1986 she became the West Central Field Representative for AFSCME Council 24, WSEU and served there for nearly 20 years before retiring. She was active in the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and was secretary of the Retired Enlisted Association (TREA). She was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism since 1972, where she adopted the persona of Lady Cyble of Rowangrove. She was active in Science Fiction Fandom for many years and practiced Family Tradition Wicca.

She is survived by two sons: Scott (Jennifer) Olson and Christopher (Linda) Olson; two granddaughters, Claudia McIntosh and Claire Olson; a great-granddaughter, Eden Vanderlinden; an uncle, Charles (Ruby) Wiggins; an aunt, Nadia Wiggins; many cousins, and three special friends, Robin Arnhold, Karyn Schmidt, and Bridget Kielus-Fecyk. She was preceded in death by her parents, her fiancé, and her husband.

Private services will be held at a later date and memorials are to be sent to Circle Sanctuary, P.O. Box 9, Barneveld,WI, 53507. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again! Ride well in Khanate Pale Horse.