Carol Thurston

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.