Obituary of Carolyn Jean Hunt

November 14, 1933 – Stewiacke, Nova Scotia

September 1, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carolyn (Carol) Jean Hunt (nee Oake), beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. Carol passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the age of 90.

She will be fondly remembered by her children, David (Diane), Murray (Mary), Jeffrey (Nicole), and Shelley; grandchildren, Alison (Brian) O’Neil (nee Hunt), Jonathon (Jen) Hunt, Evan Giles (Sara), Sarah Hunt; and great-grandchildren, Conner, Preston, and Marlo. Carol is also survived by her eldest sister Barbara Enright (Oake), and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Noman (Hunt) and Jeanne Coxson (Hunt). She was predeceased by her husband Keith Mervyn Hunt in 1993.

Carol started her journey of life on November 14, 1933, as the middle child of Harry and Sarah (Sadie) Ruth Oake (nee Donaldson) in Stewiacke, NS.

Carol’s love of books and learning started at an early age; she would often tell the story of being conveniently tucked away somewhere in the house reading when the daily chores were being assigned. Her mother, Sadie, would often let her continue reading, perhaps sensing the future educator she would become. Carol would tell of her childhood when she and Barbara were only a year apart in school. They would trade assignments to match their talents: Barb was the math wizard, so she took on the math homework while Carol focused more on the literature tasks.

After Carol graduated from teacher’s college in Truro, NS she left Stewiacke to teach in the town of Rosemère, QC, in a one-room schoolhouse. She had students ranging from kindergarten to grade six, providing her with lots of challenges and experience. With this broad experience, Carol applied for a teaching position just outside of Edmonton, AB. She had remembered stories from her father, Harry, about the West and how wonderful and full of opportunity it was. Little did she know that it was in that very city of Edmonton that she would meet the love of her life, Keith. Eager to start a family, it wasn’t long before Carol retired from working to raise her children.

Carol was also a musician, playing piano from a very young age. She could read music, but she mostly played by ear. Carol would often play for her church and various nursing homes saying, “I know all the old songs and hymns”. After she moved into assisted living, she would often regale residents of her retirement home with impromptu piano concerts and was in demand as a pianist for Sunday services.

She was a cornerstone in family celebrations of birthdays and holidays, always baking and preparing meals for family get-togethers. Her apple pie was well known in family circles as the best, and everyone received Christmas care packages of delicious homemade cookies and breads.

Carol’s skills as a teacher, her love for the written word, and her talents as a musician were treasures that were passed along to her children and grandchildren. Many a family gathering would end with a song on the piano and a sing-along for the grandkids.

Carol, we will miss you, but we know you will be with us in spirit at every family event.

A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Carol Hunt’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary honoring her legacy: The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, AB, T2H-2K6, Telephone:(403) 290-0110, http://www.alzheimercalgary.ca. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Carol’s family here.

In living memory of Carol Hunt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Carolyn Hunt’s Funeral Service