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
Grant & Marie Simpson
Doug and Dawn Gheyssen
Renee was often the smartest person in the room but never acted like it, and her razor sharp wit was terrifying. These were my observations as one of Renee's former IHHS teachers!
As a friend and former teaching colleague of both her father Terry and her sister Sherry I knew the Carleton clan well and Renee represented them throughout her life with passion. As a true Carleton, Renee loved her family, loved her music and lived life to the fullest.
Our sympathies go out to both her family and all of her great many friends who have said goodbye to this wonderful human being.
Yvonne Maschke
My deepest condolences for your loss. May the love and support of family and friends ease your sorrow and bring some comfort.
Doug and Dawn Gheyssen
Renee was most often the smartest person in the room and her razor sharp wit was terrifying. As one of her former teachers at IHHS I viewed her as a rare and amazing student.
As a former teaching colleague of both her father Terry and her sister Sherry, and a friend of Alice and a neighbor and friend of Renee's Grampa Joe and Grandma Wilma, it was easy how and why Renee turned out to be such a brilliant woman. Whether through genetics or her environment growing up, she seemed to have received the best traits and qualities (...intellect, talent, humor, creativity, enthusiasm, determination, empathy etc etc) from everyone she was around.
While our visits were infrequent and brief I could still see that wonderful sparkle in her eyes that I saw the first time I met her as a grade 7 kid new to town, ready to make her mark on the world.
When Jon and Will were in Indian Head and hanging with cousins Kaden and Ethan we got to touch base with them. Even though they both sort of had that "and who the hell are these people?" look that kids often have, it was clear they had the 'Renee sparkle" in their eyes. We hope many of the wonderful characteristics she passed on to them come alive in this next while to help them through this difficult time.
One time our whole house had been hit with the flu. Our two young kids were recovering but Dawn and I were down and out. Our house was a war zone. Every dish was dirty, every toy was out. We called Renee to come and babysit for a few hours in the afternoon so we could get some sleep. She came to the rescue. We awoke 3 hours later, feeling a bit better. The kitchen was spotless and the toys put away. She was diligent enough to tackle the job and smart enough never to come back.
Our deepest sympathies go out to both her family and many many friends. We've lost one of the great ones far too soon.
Jason Burke
I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss, Tom and family. Sending you my deepest sympathies and the strength to get through this trying time.
Leah Trafford
Renee and I worked together in Regina. Such a positive, outgoing lady. I enjoyed getting to know Renee and I send my sympathies to her family.
Kathryn Seymour
So saddened by this news and honoured to have known her, even if briefly. Sending much love to her family.
Nicole Church
Tom, my deepest condolences to you and your sons, and all those who are grieving with you. I am thinking of you and your relations as you remember and celebrate Renee's beautiful life. I was inspired by this tribute and the memories shared of her cheerfulness and courage. I hope they bring you comfort in these difficult times.
Wendy Colthart
We are so saddened by the news of Renee’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Tom, Will, Jon and the rest of her family. I will miss Renee's impromptu pop ins for chats in her signature “tell it like it is” style. What a big, bright, beautiful force; she will be missed greatly.
Florene Carleton and Family Red Deer
Florene Carleton and family send our deepest sympathy to all of Renee’s family and friends. Although we did not have the chance to get to know Renee well, it is clear she had an exceptional well lived life and a large loving and supportive community. It is touching to read the many kind words and memories of those close to Renee.
Florene Carleton Red Deer
Our deepest condolences Terry, Alice, Sherry and families on the passing of Renee.