August 27, 1924 – September 16, 2019
Our wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, September 16 at the age of 95 years.
Caroline, one of six children, was born in 1924 to Henry and Mary Purdon and grew up on the farm near Walpole, Saskatchewan and later near Doonside where the family moved in 1934.
‘Curls’, as she was affectionately called, attended high school and then worked in Fairlight as a store clerk, telephone operator and assistant in the post office until she married George in 1943. They farmed until 1947 when they moved to town to begin a welding business. It was here their family of six children were born.
In 1966 they relocated their welding business and moved their house and family to Esterhazy. After 33 years in Esterhazy, Curls and George moved into a condominium in Saskatoon where they enjoyed a different lifestyle, formed new friendships and were in closer proximity to more family members. Caroline remained in the condo after George’s passing in 2003.
It was only in August of this year that her health declined such that she needed to move to Deerview Lodge in Wawota.
Caroline was a staunch social democrat and worked many election campaigns as organizer and canvasser. She was also an amateur carpenter: she designed the new house they built in 1956 making a model to scale; did all the gyprock crack filling and sanding, as well as the tiling of the floors and walls and helped with the shingling.
But her role as matriarch is her greatest legacy! She made her children believe in themselves and each other and as a result, despite our large numbers, we are a close and happy family. Words her children and grandchildren have used to describe her, include non-judgemental, cool, an inspiration, awesome, patient, compassionate, tolerant, life-long learner and good sport. Her favorite thing to say was how “grateful” she was about her life and her family.
Caroline was predeceased by her parents; five siblings; her husband George of 59 years and one great granddaughter. She is survived by her six children; Gerry (Norval) Stuckey; Reg (Claudia) Cawood; Valerie Cawood (Mel Costache); Rod (Anna) Cawood; Loris Freysteinson and Mary Lou (Dave) O’Bertos; as well as 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grand children and numerous nieces and nephews.
Our family expresses its sincere appreciation for the compassionate care provided to Mom by staff and doctors at the Deerview Lodge in Wawota and at Arcola Hospital.
A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held on October 12 at 2pm at the Kenosee Hall in Moose Mountain Provincial Park. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Deerview Lodge in Wawota; Arcola Hospital or a charity of your choice.
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