It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our mother, and loving wife, Carol, she will be lovingly remembered by her husband Robert (Bob), sons Kyle and Jason, and her favourite and only grandson Caleb.
She was born in Kelowna, but the family moved to Vernon, where she spent her early years. In 1968, she married her life-long partner Bob and they started life’s journey together by moving to Alberta. After several years in Edmonton, the West Coast beckoned and they relocated to Vancouver Island. After a short stay in Nanaimo, they settled in Victoria, built the family home, and soon after started their family.
Carol’s skills as a bookkeeper were always in demand, regardless of where they lived; from a small local pharmacy in Vernon to First Metropolitan Church in Victoria. She enjoyed working with many professionals including law firms, accountants, property developers, trucking companies, advertising agencies and non-profit organizations.
Even so, there was always time set aside for her growing family. For Carol, it was always “family first” and it was not before her sons reached middle school age that she eventually returned to work. Mom was always there, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. She was an amazing cook, who was taught the “old school” way by many family and friends.
As a Mom with two active sons, she was always there to support them, be it a “hot dog” day at school, slicing oranges for the soccer team, or just being the family cheerleader at the ball diamond; she was always there to lend a hand. Win or lose, she made sure there were always snacks and a positive comment to help celebrate a win or soften the sting of defeat.
When she retired, Mom still had a busy life, keeping up with the rest of the family and many special friends. Once again, she was on the sidelines, watching baseball, soccer, swimming, sports and other activities of her grandson.
She and Bob always made time for coffee together, and they were regulars at the local Starbucks, busy checking calendars and notebooks, and planning their week. Mom loved the outdoors, gardening, the hummingbirds on the deck, BBQs, beach walks, skiing, and as a participant for more than 17 years, “conquering” the annual TC 10K Walk.
There were also may Sunday dinners and she enjoyed having a full kitchen of helpers. In the fall of 2018, Carol and Bob celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Royal Colwood Golf Club, surrounded by family and friends.
A Celebration of Carol’s life will be held at First Metropolitan United Church in Victoria, BC on Friday January 24, 2020 at 1:00 – 2: 00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to assist with funding the research surrounding heart disease and stroke.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
13 Responses
Uncle Bob, Kyle, and Jason,
I’m so sorry not to have been able to make the service for Aunt Carol. I really wanted to be there to celebrate her life. She holds a special place in my heart. I was always made to feel special as a little girl by her. I have so many fond memories of Aunt Carol. She always had a warm hug and smile for those she cared for. I never heard her speak an unkind word towards anyone and I always knew that she would be there to help me and others out when needed. She was just that kind of person. Kindness and love came pouring out of her so naturally. I know that she is missed terribly by everyone whose lives she touched.
My condolences to you all, love Lara
Bob, Kyle and Jason…so sad to hear the sudden passing of Carol. I am hurting for you all as I lost my Mom in 2016, and know the pain…but after the sudden emotional sadness, we have come to cherish the memories of a very fulfilled life, as you will in time, once the pain starts to heal. She was always so friendly and happy when we were together, my heart just sank when I heard the news. I only knew Carol for the last six years, but I always knew she was a great wife, Mom and Gramma…and her story on here says it all…her memory will be with you all forever.
Dear friend,
I was so sorry to see your mum’s notice this weekend. What a lovely lady she was, and a great mum, too, I’m sure. Having lost my mum in my teens, I can appreciate some of what you’re going through right now. But you have a much longer lifetime of happy memories of her, and I can assure you that in time, they will be a great, great comfort to you and your family. You also have Darcy to help you through this time, what a great support she is and will be. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.