The family of Carol Lynn Carroll is deeply saddened to announce her unexpected passing on December 19th, 2024, in Barry’s Bay, Ontario with her husband and son by her side. Carol was born on May 14th, 1947, in Port Arthur, the eldest child of Edward (Teddy) Duke and Florence Jean Cousins. She spent her early childhood years in Current River enjoying many visits with her grandparents.
Carol and her sisters and mother later moved to Dawn Street where Carol attended Vance Chapman School and two years at Lakeview High School. During her high school years Carol was tasked with the preparation of meals for her family. This was a daunting task that Carol mastered and thorough out her life she became a very skilled cook and baker.
Carol completed her education at Westgate High School. Upon entering the world of work, Carol was soon employed at the Thunder Bay Telephone Exchange and later became an executive secretary at CP rail. In all her jobs, Carol was very conscientious and professional. It was also during this time that Carol met her future husband and lifelong partner of 56 years Cyril Carroll. They were married on August 9th, 1968. Together Carol and Cyril raised their two children, Ryan and Brendan, while living in several places across Canada including Thompson and Steinbach Manitoba, and in southeastern Ontario, before returning to Thunder Bay.
During the later years in Thunder Bay, Carol worked at Cole’s bookstore. She enjoyed conversing with avid readers and was always up on current bestsellers. After leaving her job, Carol became a full-time homemaker. Her family was always particularly important to her.
Following their working life, Carol and Cyril moved to the small town of Barry’s Bay, where they lived in their home across the street from a picturesque lake. Here, Carol and Cyril enjoyed many creative projects to enhance the charm of their country home including gardening, landscaping, and building decks.
To her sisters, Carol was our confidant and “big” sister. She was someone who often gave without expecting anything in return. She could be depended upon and was very hardworking throughout her life. She did speak her mind and at times could be resolute in the decisions that she made. Her preference however was to be a homebody, but when she was employed, she was exceptionally reliable and good at her job. When faced with a chronic pain disease during the last ten years of her life, Carol showed unbelievable strength and courage. Although we are grieving her passing, we are relieved that she is no longer in pain.
Carol was predeceased by her father Edward Duke, mother Jean Rawlings, stepfather Claude Rawlings, her younger sister Karen Byers, and her favourite namesake aunt Carol Vinni.
Carol will be lovingly remembered by her husband Cyril and son Ryan (Barry’s Bay), son Brendan (Winnipeg), her sisters and their families, Susan and David Trembley (Thunder Bay), Kathleen and Barry Woodbeck (Kakabeka Falls), Dawn and Bruce Evans (Saanichton BC), her brother-in-law Terry Byers as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cremation has taken place, and internment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens later this month.
