Saturday, February 6, 2021
Wendy, Jeff, and family,
Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Carol’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.
Carol was an exceptional human being, and she genuinely made the world a better place through her personable, caring and generous nature. Our family had the great fortune of being her neighbour in Oliphant for 17 years. We had just moved in when Carol came over to introduce herself, share a laugh, and then took us around to meet the neighbours. We knew we had a winner. The years to come were filled with many warm memories of Carol – cheerful hellos, funny conversations, the borrowing of some object, and countless strolls through the gardens that often involved a spade and a swap. The end of cottage season was officially marked by a hug and a wish for a safe winter. “See you in spring,” we would always say. I think we will forever hear her quintessential laugh, and her voice calling from beyond the treeline.
Carol was a nimble connector, and bringing people together was her specialty. A gracious host of many gatherings and celebrations, Thanksgiving feasts, neighbourhood parties, weekends with family and friends – a wedding even – Carol was about community. She brought people to the lake – or was it that she brought the lake to people? Anyone who spent time at Carol’s lake home experienced the magic of this special place, at the hands of its selfless and masterful caretaker. She was more than a great cook, gardener, and social convenor – she was a wizard of the highest honour using her power to transform people for the better. She always looked for the good in people and life. It is no wonder that she was “Nana” to everyone.
Carol was a giver – from a plate of food or a handful of herbs, to offering her time spent volunteering with the Salvation Army, she gave generously.
Carol was a master gardener – she could grow anything. She was a resourceful planner, attentive nurturer, and tireless labourer. Her gardens flourished in her care – a testament to her devotion and sense of responsibility to living things. Her gardens gave her bounty, and she did what great gardeners love to do – she shared – food, roots, seeds. The stuff of life.
The world has lost a gifted gardener, but Carol’s legacy of selfless generosity will continue to flourish for years to come. May we all be reminded to spread some love in her memory.
Koulis, Jo-Anne, Ally, and Nick Kyriakou
