Carol Purdy

Carol Purdy of Pine City passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Sandstone Health Care Center at the age of 80.

Carol Jean Saari was born on October 9, 1945 to Willie and Mary (Peterson) Saari in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a child she and her family lived in many different areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a child and teenager, Carol loved riding horses, spending time with her friends, and attending dances. n. In 1963, Carol graduated from the Buffalo High School. After graduation she worked at her parent’s bar. It was there she met James Gilbey, they were married November 11, 1967 and had three daughters, Tracy, Heidi and Cheryl.

On April 11, 1981 Carol married Neil Purdy, they were together for the next 45 years. In 1982, they had moved to Pine City to be closer to family. Carol loved her family most, feeling very blessed with her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, plus many others she considered either her children or grandchildren. When she met someone, they instantly became family, which is clear in her many connections to the community.

Carol and Neil were always the biggest fans of their grandchildren, attending all of their extracurricular activities, always front and center in their lives. She and Neil loved traveling and visited 28 states together. They often had a date once a week, often going to movies or a drive through the countryside. She enjoyed gardening and was very proud of her flower gardens.

Carol loved the Lord, she attended the Living Hope Christian Center where she was the “greeter” a job she loved, the first person someone saw when they came into church. She took part in many women’s ministries over the years. Carol is admired for always having a welcoming smile and spirit, as well as having a kind and giving heart.

She is survived by her husband Neil Purdy of Pine City; children Tracy Gilbey (Bill Pantlin) of Rush City, Heidi Jean (Dwayne Hill), Cheryl (Tim) Buckner all of Hinckley; grandchildren Jessica Lange (Jesse Ward), Cortney Altergott, Scarlet Pantlin (John Henthorn), Michael Gilbey, Makenzie Lange, Quinn Buckner (Sabrina), William Buckner, Ellie Buckner; great-grandchildren Sawyer, Emery, Maya, Mila, Ronin, Trinity; other relatives and friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Mary Saari; grandson Brandon Gilbey; and brother Jim Saari.

Andrew Shaw will officiate funeral services for Carol: 1:00 PM; Friday (1/16/2026) at Living Hope Christian Center of Pine City with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Additionally, a time of visitation and reviewal is planned for: 4:00-7:00 PM; Thursday evening (1/15/2026) at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. Carol's interment will take place at Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City.

Arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service - Swanson Chapel of Pine City, Minnesota

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