Obituary of Carolyn Elizabeth Carter
Carolyn Elizabeth Carter passed away tragically in London, Ontario on April 20,2023. She was 69 years of age. Carolyn was the 4th of eight children born in Newfoundland to Frederick and Margaret (Williams) Carter. She grew up in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Carolyn was predeceased by her mother Margaret, her brother Paul Carter and sister Janet Carter. She leaves behind her children including her daughters Tanya Halfyard and Aimee, and the lights of her life her grandson Matthew Halfyard and her granddaughter Jayla Halfyard. She also leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life her siblings Beverley Carter, Philip (Kathy) Carter of Nanaimo BC, Peggy (Gary) Hopkins of Pender Island BC, Susan (Ray) Brushett of Newfoundland, Jacqueline Carter-Major (Rick) of St. John’s, and many nieces and nephews in her large extended family.
Carolyn had her struggles, and faced many challenges and obstacles. She accomplished an enormous amount in her life under conditions of adversity. She had her first child at 19 (two years before the picture was taken). As a single mother and sole provider for her three children, she completed an undergraduate degree in education and two master’s degrees - in remedial reading and special education - from three different universities. She taught elementary students in the school system in the London area for about 25 years. Carolyn was truly an exceptional teacher. There are many parents who can attest to the difference she made in the lives of their children and her students.
Her Roman Catholic faith was at the core of her being, especially in her last most difficult years, and gave her great peace and comfort. She believed that she was a child of God. Sister Avelina Joseph of the Sisters of Life in Toronto was close to her, and stayed in touch on a weekly basis for many years. She told Carolyn that she was a blessing to her so often that Carolyn eventually believed it. Sister Avelina was a spiritual advisor, great friend and comfort to Carolyn, especially following her stroke in October 2021. Father Jude of Holy Family Parish was a wonderful spiritual advisor and friend to Carolyn; his guidance and efforts helped ensure that she was well prepared. Carolyn’s care givers since her stroke were amazing and too many to mention by name. However, special mention must be made of her young PSW Mackenzie Bateman, who Carolyn described as an angel; she was right.
Cremation has taken place. The Funeral Mass for Carolyn will be held at the Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London on Tuesday, August 22 at 10 o’clock. Following the Funeral Mass friends and family are welcome to stay for a light lunch reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sisters of Life, Holy Family Parish or the London Animal Care Centre would be appreciated.
Those who wish to view the Funeral Mass via livestream can do so here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUWDgU-zd8
May she rest in a well-deserved peace.
