Carolyn Grace Sutton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carolyn Grace Sutton on October 31, at the age of 62, following a brave battle with thyroid cancer. With family by her side she left us peacefully to be with her Lord above.

A beloved daughter, wife, mother and aunt, Carolyn will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Barry, son David, daughter Emily, mother Alice, brother Kevin (LeAnn), sister-in-law Heather (George), as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carolyn is predeceased by her father David Poland, and brothers Scott and Stephen.

Born on May 11, 1962 in Galt, Carolyn spent most of her life in her home town except for six years in Ottawa from ages 2-8. There she attended Parkwood and Knoxdale public schools for grades 1-3 before returning to Galt. She went to Stewart Avenue P.S. for grades 4-8 and to Glenview Park High School for grades 9-13.

Carolyn completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at McMaster University in Hamilton before attending teachers college at the University of Ottawa, earning her Bachelor of Education degree.

On July 14, 1990 Carolyn married Barry and they had two amazing children together. David and Emily. She was extremely proud of them both and enjoyed celebrating all of their accomplishments over the years.

Favourite memories included family trips to Florida and Stoney Lake where she loved spending quiet times at the cottage, watching the wildlife including deer, foxes and birds, walking the wooded trails, kayaking, boating and listening to the soothing sound of the loons.

Carolyn loved animals, especially dogs, including her precious little Bailey who made her smile every day over the past eleven years.

Carolyn was a life long member of Central Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir for many years, starting as a teenager. She also enjoyed volunteering in the nursery and helping with a number of the children’s Christmas pageants.

A proud elementary school teacher, Carolyn taught for 31 years with the Waterloo Region District School Board beginning in 1986. Her schools included St. Andrews P.S., Lincoln Avenue P.S., Blair Rd P.S., Chalmers St. P.S. and she retired in 2017 after a year at Ayr P.S.

Carolyn began her career as a French teacher but it was at Chalmers St. where she discovered that her true passion was working with children with special needs and she had a significant positive impact on many students from grade one to six over the years. Carolyn believed that every child had potential and encouraged them to be the best person they could be.

She volunteered with the Cambridge chapter of Autism Ontario during the mid nineties, serving as President among other duties. Following retirement Carolyn served on the board of the Kids Ability Centre in Waterloo.

Cremation has already taken place and there will be no funeral home visitation.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Carolyn on Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 7 Queens Square, Cambridge, Ontario with the Rev. Dr. Aubrey Botha officiating. Private interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Ontario or to the Canadian Cancer Society and can be shared through the funeral home at www.couttsfuneralhome.com