Carol Lorraine Tallman

Carol Lorraine Tallman was born in Ottawa, Ontario to Drs. Donald and Lorraine Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Doug, sons Mark (Caitlin), and Chris (Tara). Carol was brought up near Stittsville in rural Ontario where she went to school, then attended McMaster University studying Urban Geography. Working as a summer student “Out West” in 1980, she met her future husband Doug, moved to BC shortly after then married in 1982 and settled in North Vancouver. After teacher training at UBC, Carol taught in North Vancouver for 36 years, most of those at Fromme and Lynn Valley Elementary Schools in grades 3 through 5.

Carol had a passion for the outdoors and nature that was the central theme throughout her life. Hiking, snowshoeing, camping, biking, gardening, and birdwatching brought her joy, especially the thrill of seeing owls in the wild. Special places in her world included Manning Park, the Rocky Mountains, the West Coast, and the many trails on the North Shore Mountains.

Carol loved to bring people together. Among many other things, she held countless family gatherings, anchored her “Formerly Fromme” teachers’ group, and kept her family connected across the province, across Canada, and across the ocean.

Carol will be remembered for her welcoming spirit, sharp mind, and fast walking pace. Her classroom extended far beyond that of the physical schools she worked in – all of us were in her classroom. Carol was always ready to share her knowledge of nature whether it was the differences between a male and female pileated woodpecker, the song of a mountain chickadee, or the patterns on an amanita mushroom.

Her memory will be cherished by a wide circle of extended family, former students and colleagues, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Her Memorial will be held at Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver on November 19 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, Carol requested that donations be made to North Shore Rescue and the Wild Bird Trust of BC in memorial.