1936-2025
Carole-Anne passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88, with family by her side. She was born in Montreal, Quebec to James and Katie (McLean) Walker, and was pre-deceased by her beloved husband John of 62 years, and her sister Joan. Sadly, she was also pre-deceased by her son Billy, who died at the tender age of 15. She is survived by her wonderful sons Jim (Katie), Peter (Jennifer) and cherished grandsons Jake and Tyler.
Education and continuous learning were of great significance to Carole-Anne. Rarely did a conversation go by with her two grandsons where the importance of higher education was not part of the dialogue! She received a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from McGill University, and then both a Masters and Doctorate of Education from the University of Toronto. As a life-long learner, she went on to pursue numerous other certificates and academic courses.
Carole-Anne was named in the Canadian Who’s Who publication due to her deep commitment to the field of education. After 20 years of teaching and administration at the elementary and secondary school levels in Ontario she went on to work with the Ontario Ministry of Education, and to be the Superintendent of Education for Grey Bruce County. Teaching well into her 70s, Carole-Anne spent many years as a part-time instructor with Central Michigan University, including as a mentor for their University Graduate School programs. She also served as Chairwoman of International Credential Assessment Services of Canada.
Beyond the field of education, Carole-Anne was a sought-after speaker and facilitator on conflict resolution, staff motivation, employee assessment, change processes and team building. Where teaching and education were involved, she did it all!
Carole-Anne loved to be active - skiing, golfing, playing tennis and working out. Her dedication to health continued throughout her life, including fitness classes well into her 80’s. She was a fierce competitor in duplicate bridge and an avid reader. Most of all, she was an incredible mother, and her boys always came first. She prioritized family meals, trips, sports, fun and was always there to provide guidance, despite also working full time and taking courses. The boys remember everyone at the table doing homework, even Mom. She inspired us all.
Carole-Anne and John moved from Montreal to Toronto shortly after they were married and moved back and forth between Toronto, Burlington and the Georgian Bay area over the next 60 years. Their last decades were spent in Thornbury and Collingwood where Carole-Anne enjoyed many great friendships and leaves behind a community that enriched her life immeasurably.
Strong, brilliant, determined, forthright, compassionate, committed and highly accomplished – Carole-Anne Bennett was a force! She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Carole-Anne will be celebrated in a private ceremony in Collingwood on February 15, 2025.
She will be laid to rest with her son Billy and husband John in Burlington, Ontario.
The family would like to thank her doctors and caregivers in the Georgian Bay region for their support over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Friends may visit Carole-Anne’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com