Carole Ann Trafford, née Stewart, affectionately known as “Mrs. C.A.T.,” went home to her Saviour on April 27, 2021 at the age of 85.
Carole may have lived her entire life in Toronto, but she was a true citizen of the world, travelling by land, air and sea every chance she got. She also spent many years commuting to Markdale, Ontario, where she helped her husband Alfred (Al) run the family business. For most of their retirement life, she and Al enjoyed spending the winter season in Sarasota, Florida—you could usually find her in the pool—while most summers were spent at Lakeshore Pentecostal Camp in Cobourg.
From a humble home, Carole had to leave school at an early age to begin working, and this experience led her to strongly support the education of her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carole was a true lifelong learner—from reading stacks of books to meeting new people and mastering the newest tech—and she regularly “skunked” her competition at Scrabble. Carole loved knitting, sewing and crafting. In later years, when arthritis took hold, she cheerfully took up a new hobby—puzzles!
Carole loved clothes and shopping, and her nails and hair were always immaculate. Her face lit up whenever she received a compliment on her style. It would be easy to assume that she lived a charmed life based on these outward appearances, but Carole was a seasoned warrior, fighting and beating a brain tumour in 1980, breast cancer in 1990, and a brain aneurysm in 2007. Carole was a walking miracle who gave the glory to God for her long life.
Carole took so much joy from being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She adored the people in her life without condition, and she was never too busy for a long phone chat or a cup of tea—served with her famous homemade lemon loaf, of course. She was always generous with whatever she had, and she looked for ways to show her love for her family and friends. A true social butterfly, she joined clubs, attended events and developed friendships everywhere she went.
Carole is predeceased by her parents, Nelson Theodore Stewart and Annie (Alcock) Stewart, and her brother Robert James Stewart. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years (Charles) Alfred; her children, Sharon (John) Baker and Nancy (Brad) King; her eight grandchildren, Amanda (JD) Robinson, Braden (Stephanie) King, Douglas (Ashleigh) Baker, Andrea (Iain) King, Melody (Andrew) Bishop, James (Gabriela) Baker, Brian (Miri) King and David (Cecilia) King; and six great-grandchildren, Jack, Fianna, August, Cadence, Theodore and Morgan. Carole was delighted to hold her newest great-grandchild just weeks before she passed.
Due to COVID-19, a private family service and cremation have taken place. The ashes will be interred in Markdale, Ontario at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Carole Ann Trafford Stewart Tuesday April 27th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Markham, Province: Ontario