Renee Dyane Carleton passed away peacefully at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa on May 15, 2023 at the age of 51, following complications arising from a surgery.
The beloved wife of Tom Golem, the two of them spent 22 years together building a beautiful family and a wonderful life in Ottawa after moving from Saskatchewan. Renee is the proud mother to William (16) and Jonathan (14), who love her dearly. Renee will forever be their biggest cheerleader at hockey rinks, ski hills, track and field competitions, music recitals, academic endeavors and all other life events.
Renee is also grieved by her parents, Terry and Alice Carleton, and her sister and best friend Sherry Carleton. All were by her side and holding her hand as she said goodbye to this world. She is also survived by her Grandmother Wilma Weinberger, her brother-in-law Bruce Royer and nephews Kaden and Ethan Royer. Renee was predeceased by her Grandparents Wallace and Joyce Carleton and her Grandfather Joseph Weinberger.
Born on February 9, 1972, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, she spent her formative years there initiating a life long love of playing music (piano, trumpet and singing). Renee then lived with her family in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, perfecting her musical skills and honing her athletic abilities with her lifelong close friends on the basketball and volleyball courts, and in the auditorium at high-school concerts and performances. All of this was the foundation of a rich life and a love of a small-town community atmosphere.
Upon graduation, Renee jetted to Paris to become an au pair and study French. This was followed by her studies at the University of Regina, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. Her bilingualism was a bonus on the Saskatchewan prairie, opening the door to work with several federal government departments. A move to Ottawa in 2002, allowed Renee to expand her responsibilities at Employment and Social Development Canada and ultimately Global Affairs until her retirement in 2017. Through her various positions in government, she most enjoyed helping people and to improve the lives of those whom she interacted with.
Finding her place in Ottawa, Renee became an integral part of the Manor Park neighbourhood. With an outgoing personality, a love of hosting get-togethers and Grey Cup parties with Tom, where the two pioneered many new drinks, Renee thrived in building a beautiful group of very close friends and neighbours. Whether it be dinner dances, house parties, Easter egg hunts or backyard recitals for her piano students, Renee always had a smile, a laugh and the best stories. In the last few years, Renee would often be seen stopped and chatting to everyone in Manor Park as she rolled in her wheelchair walking her sweet dog, Duchess. Relentlessly cheerful and always with an opinion, she offered guidance and friendship to all.
Although doctors diagnosed Renee with Multiple Sclerosis when she was in her twenties, she never believed that a disability would hold her back. She was fiercely determined not to let the disease slow her down. Her strength, determination, drive and hard work in dealing with this long-term condition is one of her most admired attributes by both family and friends. Not to be outdone by her children’s athletic abilities, Renee took up sit-skiing with Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS), waterskiing with Ski-ability and curling on the cusp of turning 50. After spending much of the fall 2022 in the hospital, Renee returned to the ski hill to bomb down the slopes.
Renee will always be remembered as an outgoing, fun loving, sassy, strong, intelligent woman with a bright smile and beautiful bold blue eyes. She will be dearly missed.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, June 2nd, 2023, at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) from 5-7pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Renee’s name to CADS- Summit Edelweiss program https://www.cads-ncd.ca/contact-cads-ncd/donate/ , SkiAbility Ottawa http://www.skiabilityottawa.ca/ or the MS Society of Canada https://mscanada.ca/
Digital Guestbook
Jen and Jeff Thiessen
Marlyce Searcy
What a beautiful tribute to a special girl! So sorry you have lost Renee at such a young age.
Gwen Johner
Terry, Alice, Sherry, Bruce and family....sending you our most sincere condolences. We were sad to hear of this loss. What a beautiful and amazing person she was❤️
Darla & Lyle Baldwin
Our sympathies to you any your families , sending healing thoughts at this difficult time
Gerald Gosselin
??
Shari Pollock
My condolences to your family.
Colette Beliveau Boyko
Terry, Alice, Sherry and family, I am so deeply sorry to hear about Renee’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you all. Hold tight to all of your memories. ❤️
Marg and Sandy Friesen
Our deepest condolences to Renee' s family.
We met Renee several years ago while she was visiting family in Indian Head. Her wit and sense of humour was so familiar to us. It is something her and her sister Sherry have in common. Our Prayers up for a safe journey.
Sincerely
Marg and Sandy Friesen
Natasha Schlamp
I’m so sorry to here of the loss of Renee. Thinking of all her family and friends who will miss her dearly.
The Bond Family
Tom, Will, John,
We were so saddened to learn of Renee's passing. We feel blessed to have known her. Our deepest condolences to you and all who knew. Know that you are all loved and that there is a community for you to lean on in whatever way you need or want. Our thoughts are with you now and always. The Bond Family (Whitney, Dave, Oliver, Alex, Michael)
Tom, Will, John and extended family - we are so very sorry for your loss. Everything you mentioned in Renee's obituary rang so true to us. The Easter parties, the Grey Cup parties, impromptu drinks and visits. I often saw Renee walking Duchess and she was always up for a laugh and a visit. I was just over at May Fair and keep expecting to see her! I love that she was a straight talker - she told it like it was. She was probably the most honest, down to earth person that I know. I so admire that she challenged herself and others by her lead. She will be missed. ??