Carole Anne Margaret Smith, born in St. Catharines, Ont., 54, passed away in Ottawa, June 7, 2024. Beloved wife of Bill Young, devoted daughter of Noreen Smith, sister and best friend to Joyce and Helen (Adrian). Adored Auntie Carolee to Angus, Kate and Freya. Predeceased by father Brian Smith. She is also survived by family in Ireland and England.
Focusing on Environmental Science, she was a graduate of Beamsville District Secondary School and the University of Toronto as well as the University of Edinburgh, where she received a master’s degree while a Rotary International Ambassadorial Fellow.
“Service above self” was a guiding principle in Carole’s life. Immediately on graduating with her B.Sc., she held several positions with the federal government, beginning with Public Works in Toronto and followed by Indian and Northern Affairs in Thunder Bay. In Ottawa, she worked for the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, Public Safety, and the International Joint Commission. She had just returned to Public Safety before becoming ill. Always eager to create positive, tangible change in the world, she pursued every project with her trademark dedication and attention to detail.
Carole’s love of aviation and adventure was evident from a very young age. She trained at the Brampton Flying Club, where she graduated as the top female private pilot of 1996. This love, combined with her characteristic care for others, led to a long history with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association. In 1999, while with the Northwestern Ontario Air Search & Rescue Association in Thunder Bay, Carole was part of a team given an OPP Commissioner's Citation for Lifesaving after rescuing a pilot from a crash site. She spent many hours working and training with ground and air search and rescue groups in Thunder Bay and at Rockcliffe in Ottawa, including as a director and safety officer.
Carole was generous to a fault, possessing the quickest of wits and kindest of souls. She loved music, literature, and travel, with a keen eye for natural beauty that often resulted in stunning photographs. A multi-talented artist and pianist, Carole shared her beautiful voice in choirs for many years. A constant reader and ‘80s TV series aficionado, she always enjoyed exchanging ideas, whether around the campfire, the boardroom table, or during Trivia Night. There was nothing Carole wouldn’t do for her family or her friends.
She was happiest camping, paddling her cherished canoe, walking through the woods or flying a plane with her loved ones. Fighting aggressive leukemia in the last eight months took her away from the outdoors, but memories of many trips across Canada and the world helped to sustain her. Carole and her family were deeply grateful for the excellent care she received at Ottawa General and St. Vincent’s hospitals and from the palliative care team. A celebration of life will be held in the future, but in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ottawa General Hospital or an environmental charity of your choice.