Carol loved a good laugh. She loved a good discussion. She was bright, articulate, well-read. This, combined with Carol's passion for the rights and respect of others led her to careers where she could really have an impact - OPSEU - Ontario Public Service Employees Union as a Trainer and, for a short while, as the Chief of Staff for the Minister of Housing with the Ontario Government.

And even though Carol struggled to overcome a painful childhood, she threw herself into wonderful, artistic endeavours intended to bring healing and hope. Carol loved to sing, make music with drumming and clarinet, laugh, clown, write, create with art, with precious metals. She found places of peace in mindfulness, retreats, gatherings of friends - young friends and old friends, forever friends and new friends; Carol's world was large. Wherever she travelled, she would gather people to her - to her big, generous heart.

Carol loved her family and knew how important family was. She had her Canadian family, her Aussie family, her English family, and friends that were family. Carol was predeceased by her mother and father, her brother, Mark (Rob); and her sister, Eileen. Her remaining sibling, Michael (Arlene) will miss her - her humour, her love, her passionate discussions and most of her neuroses. She will be especially missed by her nephews, Jeff, Steve, Chris, Josh and their families, and by her (Australian) cousins, Linda, Donna, Michael, Tina and their families.

In spite of Carol's struggles, her gift to us was her generous heart, her belief in each person's best and her desire to be a healing presence in the lives of others. May we all take that with us into each day, each encounter.

We will celebrate this life of Carol on Saturday January 28, 2017 at 4pm at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local AIDS organization or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Carol, you will be missed , but we know you will always be with us- you’re just that kind of soul.