Carole Gillies

Carole Ardella Gillies passed away on May 26 with her family by her side. Carole was born on the Canaan Road in New Brunswick to loving parents Roy and Leata Alward. In 1956, she graduated from Havelock High School as class president and met her husband Rae that same spring. She went on to study at Oulton College and in 1958, Carole moved to Toronto for work and for love.

Carole and Rae were married in 1960 and continued to build their life and grow their family in Toronto. Carole worked as an executive secretary for the 16 years she spent in the city and she and Rae welcomed three children into their lives before moving back home to New Brunswick in 1974. Once her family was settled in Petitcodiac, Carole worked for CN Rail in multiple roles for 22 years.

Carole held a deep love of nature, creative arts, and adventure. She was a member of the Petitcodiac Valley Golf and Country Club for nearly 25 years and was the first woman elected as president in 1991. She was a member of the Petitcodiac Baptist Church, the Women’s Institute, and countless other community groups, creating long-lasting friendships wherever she went. Her wit and sense of humor were second to none and it was not unusual for her to have friends and family laughing until they cried.

At her core, Carole loved nature and her family. She always felt most at home outdoors, working in her garden, and appreciating the beauty around her- an appreciation she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for this, her thoughtfulness, her grace, and the deep love she had for her family.

Carole is deeply loved and missed by her husband Rae Gillies, daughters Janice (Akaps) Mweemba and Sharon (Tim) Fawcett, son Brett (Marcy) Gillies, grandchildren Lauren, Jenna, Kalinda, Hillary, Taylor, and Julia, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Ardith (Dave) Colpitts, brother Brent Alward, dear friend Diana Hall, and many nieces and nephews.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Salisbury Funeral Home and a private interment will take place at Maplewood Cemetery.

If desired, donations to the IWK Children’s Charity, Friends of the Moncton Hospital, or the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated by her family. Please feel free to share your condolences or a memory of Carole at www.keirsteads.ca.