In Loving Memory

CAROL DILKS (nee Orr)
March 21, 1936 – June 19, 2021
It is with great sadness that the Dilks family shares news of the unexpected passing of Carol Dilks in her 85th year. Predeceased by her husband Paul Dilks (her spouse for over 56 years) and infant daughter Susan Mary. Mother to David (Lilli), Brian (Vickie) and Judi (Phil); Grandmother to Ross (Bronte), Trevor (Dani), Jeremy, Steven, Nicole (Bret), Natalie (Brandon) and Amanda (Cole); and Great-Grandmother to Porter, Eleanor and Beatrice. Sister to Laird Orr and his wife Patti and their children and families.
Carol was a role model for women in leadership positions and a fearless entrepreneur in carving her path in life. In many ways, she was ahead of her time – a shining example of the heights women can reach for and achieve. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Carol used her Psychology and Social Work degree as a foundation to excel in meaningful volunteer and paid positions throughout her lifetime. Her first jobs were as a family social worker for the Children’s Aid Society in Toronto and Stratford, helping children and families in their most vulnerable moments. In her Stratford years, she sat on the Stratford Festival Board and YW-YMCA Board and launched Stratford Tours. During her time in Barrie, she was a counselor at Georgian College and became Executive Director for Kinark, a child and family service agency. In Toronto, she was president of Behaviour Profiling International for many years and chaired a committee that oversaw a substantial renovation to her beloved Metropolitan United Church.
Music, including playing violin on the stage of Massey Hall, spending time in beautiful Pointe au Baril and in her church community brought much happiness to Carol. She could always be counted on to spread her positivity, enthusiasm and experience to all she interacted with. Most notably, Carol devoted whatever time was needed to be a loving mother to her children and a second mother, confidant and mentor to other family and friends. Carol’s positive attitude, kindness and ability to listen without judgement radiated humanity and fellowship to those she touched. All will greatly miss her listening ear, advice, warmth and love. She saw people for who they were, brought out the best in them and was a pioneer and early advocate for a more loving, diverse and inclusive society we are still striving for today.
A Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family at Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen Street on July 20, 2021 at 11:00 am. In line with current Covid safety protocols, those wishing to attend in person are asked to pre-register: https://met.elvanto.eu/form/f036dfdf-6d0e-4f62-8298-e6e43c0f73b2. The service will also be live streamed for those who are unable to attend in person: https://youtu.be/6Rq8OY-aMdo The service may also be viewed later on Met’s YouTube channel.
In memory of Carol, donations can made to Metropolitan United Church’s many community outreach programs and their music program. Please use the Donate tab: www.metunited.org.