It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Carol Thurston, after a battle with cancer. Cherished wife of Neil and beloved mother of Brent Phillips (Natasha Leitao), Graham Thurston (Megan McDonald), and Warren Thurston (Jennifer). Adoring grandmother of Charlotte Phillips, and Gordon, William, Henry, Grayson, and Jackson Thurston.
She is survived by and will be sorely missed by her sister Alison Montpetit, brother Barry Sigmann (Concetta), and sisters-in-law Joan Honig and Diane Skolny (Ken). Carol will also be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Carol was predeceased by her mother, Florence Vera Sigmann, father, Charles Sigmann, stepfather John McDonald, and sister Diane Raymond.
Born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Carol grew up in the Manor Park neighbourhood of Ottawa, Ontario. She graduated from Carleton University in 1971 with a degree in Geography, and was hired by the Federal Public Service immediately after. She had an interesting and varied career undertaking research projects, report writing, analytical studies, advisory roles, and speech writing.
Carol married Neil Thurston in 1988. Together they brought up their 3 sons – camping, cottage time, holidays, outings, and raising rambunctious dogs, were just part of their many happy memories together as a family.
Upon retirement, Carol and Neil built their dream home on a 1.5 acre property. Their beautiful backyard was adorned with multiple large trees and flowers, an extensive vegetable garden, and multiple trails that they built themselves. Visits from deer were a regular occurrence as well. They loved hosting multiple family and friend gatherings, and all the grandchildren loved visiting and playing there.
Carol and Neil travelled the world extensively. Carol had an adventurous spirit and Neil often went along reluctantly. They snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, rode camels in Dubai, walked with the lions in Zimbabwe, and saw the sun rise at Machu Picchu.
Carol loved gardening, reading, writing, decorating, shopping, going out with friends, nature, camping in Algonquin Park, and animals, especially her treasured golden retrievers.
Carol lived her life to the fullest and people were always drawn to her. She enjoyed the gift of the gab and touched many people’s lives with her caring ways; she was extremely generous,
thoughtful, and always there to lend a hand. We will deeply miss Carol’s ability to effortlessly bring family together for fun, perfectly planned celebrations, her daily check-ins on our lives, her constant encouragement and support, her determination no matter what life brought, and her fiery, independent spirit. Mum loved her family fiercely and was so proud of all their accomplishments. She always believed in us.
Carol had many, many friends; she would like to thank Susan, Sandra, Barbara, Deb, and Margy, in addition to her many good friends at Timberwalk Retirement Community, for being there during her cancer journey. They shared several laughs and good times together.
We would also like to thank Dr. Michael Vickers, the staff at the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre, Dr. Malhotra and the wonderful the staff at May Court Hospice, Home and Community Care Services, and the staff and medical team at Timberwalk Retirement Community.
Digital Guestbook
Alix Jenkins
Sandra Thompson
Sending my most heartfelt sympathies to Neil and family. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Carol touched so many lives. With love and remembrance.
Mafalda & Simon Leitao
Brent, your mum was an amazing lady, gracious, kind and a very good family friend. We had a lot of good laughs with her when she visited here in Regina
and will miss her dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Nat, Char and your brothers and families.
Penny and Roger Mitchell
Our deepest condolences to the family. If she was anything like her sister Alison, my long time friend, I know she was kind, caring and generous. She will be sorely missed but happily rejoining her heavenly family.
Margery Brownlee
My Deepest Sympathy to all the members of Carol's Family. Carol was a very special person and everyone who knew her were extremely fortunate to have spent time with her. Her wonderful sense of humor gave us many laughs during our Dinners, together with Neil, at Timberwalk.
Tom and Nancy Maville
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Neil, and your family. I very much enjoyed working with Carol at the Agency over many years. She was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed.
Bob and Cheryl Richardson
Our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy thoughts to Neil, Alison, Barry.
and Brent, Graham, Warren and families.
Having known Carol, since the teenage years, was fortunate to be part of the
family, being a very good friend of Barry, to the point where I was referring to
their Mom, as " Mom". Carol always had a vibrant , fun loving and natural personaliity that made her and Neil such a match.
So welcome to be with, many, many a time either skating on canal , at the cottage, fighting off mosquitos,.weddings ..and so many more.
Carol always seemed to vibrate a positive , fun side of any situation..
With loving memories of Carol, and condolences
Bob and Cheryl Richardson
Mary McMullen Brabazon
Dear sweet Carol was a wonderful, caring person and such a good friend to my Mum Helen McMullen. We met Carol when Brent was 4 yrs old and my Mum looked after Brent before and after school. Carol would always think of my Mum when she became ill and offer help to her. She was overjoyed when she met and married Neil and had 3 wondering boys.
Carol always made people laugh when she would laugh and giggle. She loved her boys and adventures ahead. She loved her retrievers. She loved decorating the house at every holiday!
May you rest in peace Carol, you will be sorely missed. Mary and Steve Brabazon
Bruce McIntosh
My wife Carol and I are deeply saddened to learn of Carol's passing. She was such a pleasant, upbeat and warm person. I had the distinct pleasure of working with both Carol and Neil at the Canadian Transportation Agency for 10 years. Over the years the four of us shared vacations in Myrtle Beach and enjoyed many dinners at Milestones, one of Carol's favourite restaurants. We will miss her contagious laughter. Our condolences to Neil and Family.
Ronald Daigle
Neil, please accept my condolences on the loss of Carol. She was always a bright light around the office when we worked together and I have many happy memories of those days.
My condolences to Neil and family. Carol will be missed.