It's hard to share just one memory when Grandma was integral to so many of Jacob and I's most fond childhood memories. Grandma gave us so many memories to look back on: whether it be all the art projects completed at her house, to taking us to all the parks we could ever need, learning to fish and playing bingo at the trailer, the many day trips we took, trips to Florida, and so many more. Time at Grandma's house always started and ended with a big hug - we will miss those hugs dearly. Any time spent with Grandma, no matter what we were up to, will always be time deeply cherished.

Thank you for the endless supply of chocolate milk for me and strawberry for Jacob, always slipping us an extra cookie from your never-empty cookie jar after Mom and Dad said no, your unwavering support and always being proud of us, and your unconditional love.

Much love always,

Sarah and Jacob

Hi "Sis," we've never talked like this before, with pen in hand and solo. It is very difficult and feels surreal and feels very lonely. I never thought that you would leave us before Mom's age of 96. You were just supposed to be here with us. I didn't expect the unimaginable, you getting sick and before I could comprehend that, the Good Lord called you home to be with Mark, Mom, Dolly and all of our loved ones that are held in the arms of the Lord.

When I was looking through some photos of you when you were a beautiful little girl, what came to mind, was Uncle Russ calling you his "Princess." That was and is the perfect description of you both inside and out. Sis, you were the princess of beauty, unconditional love, compassion, empathy, kindness, giving, caring and so much more. All the people that you have ever known or touched knew this of you. We were all blessed by your presence.

I once remembered Mom and I watching you walk down the street when you were in your late teens and Mom saying to me, "look at that wiggle!" At my age, I didn't quite get it. But what I did get from you Sis, was your love for Rock 'n Roll and a love for Elvis. You taught me to love dancing and you taught me a few dance steps in the front room and laughing at me when I was trying to sing like Elvis. You introduced me to baby oil to use at Van Wagners Beach and advised me (in so many words) not to stare at the girls so much.

I remembered vividly, you decorating the Christmas tree and placing each icicle carefully on each branch until you created a Christmas tree masterpiece! You displayed such patience and creativity while I was continually throwing the icicles on the tree. That "special" Christmas morning when Santa brought you Elvis's Christmas LP, you rushed into your bedroom to listen to it on your RCA record player. The whole family heard Elvis all morning. One of the songs was "Blue Christmas".....those words and melody say it all, IT all, not only for this Christmas but all Christmases from now on. I have an idea....why don't we play and sing this song every Christmas Eve at 5:15 p.m. It will be our "carol" to "OUR CAROL."

Tearfully and heartbroken, goodbye for now Sis, until we meet again.

Love you always and forever,

Hugs, Den

So very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was a lovely person and a great neighbor. Our condolences to the family.

Mike and Glenna Marriage

The door was always unlocked, everyone was welcomed with a smile and hello. Mom welcomed you anytime and any day. She appreciated any amount of time you spent with her, even if it was for a quick 10 minute visit. She thanked you for stopping by and ended each visit with a smile and big hug. Mom never let me down, when it came to babysitting with short notice, in a pinch she never said no to spending time with her grandkids. When Ken’s 12 hour shifts turned into overtime, she never complained and was prepared to do it anytime we needed her. My kids loved spending time with their “gramma” because they had so much fun and gramma took them on so many adventures and “firsts” I can’t even count! Sitting in cold arena’s cheering on the grandchildren playing hockey was exciting for her. Telling Jacob to “shoot the puck up” was mom’s coaching advice we could rely on after each game. Florida vacations together are cherished memories. Mom’s smile and laughter when she exited the ride like a little kid will stay with me forever. She enjoyed the rides just as much as her grandkids! I could always count on mom. I never doubted she wouldn’t be there for me and my family. The word “no” wasn’t in her vocabulary. She never complained about her health and mom always said she didn’t want to be a burden on her kids. I couldn’t make up for all the years she had my back and was my rock, but I’m hoping mom knew in the last 3 months of her life, I could finally be the one she could count on. The reliable one who had her back and could be her rock for once. ❤️

Love you Mom

Sharleen

Xoxo…

A mother's love is alive forever, in the lessons she taught, the patience she showed and in the hearts of her children.

Carol was truly a special lady who left an imprint with everyone she met.

We're thinking of you in this time of sorrow.

Silvio and Anne Colontino

Her name is Carolyn, but she’ll always be “Grammi” to me. I’m not sure when I gave her that nickname, but I knew it wasn’t going anywhere when she started signing her cards to me “Love always, Grammi”. Grammi had stories for days, and I loved hearing them. Some of my favourites were how her sons were always grumpy when they were hungry, and her trick was to have a “mini-meal” ready for them after school to preserve her sanity (LOL!). Or the one where Lou (Grampi) unsuccessfully tried to teach her how to drive behind the Centre Mall. As a result of this, she told me she appointed herself “Official Map Holder and Folder” and I don’t think those folks ever got lost.

I loved hearing her stories about working in the typing pool before she had kids, and how the ladies would share magazines and await the latest chapter of a Victoria Holt novel that would be published each month. She lived with her in-laws after getting married and adored them. She said she couldn’t have been a young mother without their support. The way she spoke about her in-laws with such praise and respect, I think that’s all you need to know about Grammi right there.

As her daughter-in-law, she gave me recipes that never failed, made me feel welcome in her home and always raved about whatever I baked even when the cake was raw in the middle. “Just eat around it” she said. She was practical and down to earth, and could make small talk with anyone. There was never a shortage of stories where she and Grampi struck up a conversation with a stranger in Sears or the grocery store.

She taught me that ironing anything makes it look better, making your bed every morning sets the right tone for the day and that a cup of tea and a sandwich around 2:00 everyday can be as restorative as a nap.

She was, without question, the heartbeat of the family. To the Mihalides family: my thoughts are with you all as you try to find your way through this difficult time.

Rest in Peace Grammi,

Love Patti