After a courageous, 11-year fight with breast cancer, Carol passed away peacefully on Saturday September 23rd. She had been able to stay at her home until the last 10 days of her life. Carol was then admitted to Hospice Waterloo Region where she was cared for and made as comfortable as possible by the most amazing and compassionate team of nurses and volunteers.
Carol was able to stay at home for as long as she did because of the incredible network of neighbours and friends she had built in Waterloo. These wonderful women and men drove Carol to hospital appointments, dropped off homemade baking, ran errands, stopped by for tea and joined her for walks. It was always reassuring for our family to know that when they could not be there, she had any help she needed.
During her short time at the Hospice there were many visits with friends and family who all came to say goodbye, share a memory or simply to spend time with a wonderful woman.
Her favourite place, of course, was Bruce Beach where long talks on the deck of cottage 38, beach walks and countless meals were shared together. Not wanting to miss a weekend minute, she would always have the car packed and ready by the time her children were home from school on a Friday and no amount of rain or snow would stop her from getting there. She embodied what the cottage should be about - spending time with family, enjoying their company and being together in such a magical place.
Despite her battle with cancer she never missed her time at the Lake. She did so because the people and the place made her feel whole and happy.
Now we stand and watch as Carol leaves for the Lake to join her Father and Mother. They will sit on the deck and watch the sunset together - and while we mourn her here today, the thought of them together should be one of joy and peace.
No one is ever gone while their name is still spoken. All of us will have moments in the future where something reminds us of Carol and we should smile, and remember how fortunate we were to have such an extraordinary Mother, Sister, Aunt and Friend in our lives.
We will miss her beautiful smile and she will always be remembered with love.
Predeceased by her parents, Anna and Donald Finlayson
Sister to Elizabeth (Bruce), Mary Jane (Bill), Donald, Margaret (Harry),
Mother to Michael and Sarah
Grandmother to Derek, Riley, Parker and Lucy
Loved by all
An interment service will take place at 11:00am on October 28th at the Lochalsh Cemetery (35293 Highway 86 (Amberly Road) Lochalsh, Huron County, Ontario Canada). This will be followed by a reception at a local venue TBD.
In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to Grand River Hospital Foundation Scotland’s Yard or Hospice Waterloo Region may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com