In Celebration of
Carol Anne Carr (nee Collis)
November 23, 1948 -
December 27, 2023
Carol Anne Carr, loving wife and best friend to husband Leonard Carr, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour at the age of 75, on December 27, 2023. She passed peacefully in her sleep, at home, with her family by her side.
Carol Anne was born on November 23, 1948, in Dundas, Ontario to James and Violet Collis. Beloved wife of Len for 55 years. Loving mother of Corrine (Alvin Loh), Jen, and Matt (Karen). Much loved Nana of Jon, Aaron, Sam, Josh, Julia, and Daniela. Dear sister of the late Jim Collis (Gert), Gladys (Cecil Hamilton), and Ron Collis (the late Jean).
A lifelong learner, she graduated from Teacher’s College in Windsor in 1969 and later completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Guelph. In 2003, she obtained her Master of Theology with distinction from Heritage Theological Seminary. Many years were spent teaching in different cities starting at Humber College, and then at public schools for children in kindergarten, grades 4-5, and as a French teacher.
Carol Anne loved and blessed so many along her journey. Her wisdom, strength, and graciousness are a legacy for all of them, as is her faith and trust in her Saviour. She personified the biblical Ruth’s faithfulness (Ruth1:16) as she joined Len to create warm and inviting homes in many places including Etobicoke, Guelph, Waterford, Port Dover, Port Ryerse, Chatham, Kilbride, Burlington, Erieau, and Muskoka Bible Conference.
Carol Anne and Len blessed many with their hospitality over the years, hosting numerous programs and gatherings, Bible studies, and the young adults from church (e.g. “The Roaring Twenties” from Emmanuel Baptist Church, and Toronto Baptist Fellowship). She was a faithful friend to many and counted herself blessed to have such dear companions along her journey.
She was passionate about memorizing and applying the truths of the Bible to her life and encouraging many others to delight in God’s word. She was a faithful servant in her home churches and in Awana, a children’s Bible program, for decades.
She delighted in caring for animals with her veterinarian husband and supported his practice in many ways. She adopted many pets over the years. “Jimmy Boots” and “Joey” and two cats are still in their home and she loved them dearly. She enjoyed learning about nutrition and healthy living. She taught fitness classes at the church and liked to dance ballet and tap. She loved spending time in her garden, full of beautiful flowers, trees, and birds. What a full life she lived.
Carol Anne left us with some writings as she prepared for this time and she said “there is no doubt in my mind that this is was my designated journey, to endure suffering, and to look to the Word (of God) for comfort.” She reminded us that the Lord has called his children by name and when each of us goes through trials of fire we won’t be harmed, and that he encourages us “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:1-2,5). She wanted us to know her beliefs about the end of life, “I know where I’m going, and the timing is ordained by God.” She continued to remind us that Jesus was taking her home, holding her hand. And as friends and family are waving goodbye the heavens will welcome her, waving and announcing “here she comes!”. Most importantly, she wanted all of her family and dear friends to trust in Jesus (John 14:6) and follow her journey one day - to be reunited with her and with God, their Creator, Saviour, and Lover of their souls. What a reunion that will be!! (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Carol Anne loved to sing with us recently “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!”
The family will receive friends at Hope Bible Church, 500 Great Lakes Boulevard, Oakville on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m.
A service to celebrate Carol Anne’s life will be held at Hope Bible Church on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 11 a.m., with an option for a livestream (to be added to this obituary on the Turner & Porter website, by January 8th).
Interment at Burlington Memorial Gardens will follow.
If desired, donations may be made in memory of Carol Anne, to Awana Canada, at https://awanacanada.ca/support/.
Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca