STAPLETON, Carol Ann Stapleton

passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 19th, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 16th, 1954 in Round Lake in the Ottawa Valley, Carol was raised by Agnes Dobrosky and grew up in Barry’s Bay. It was there she attended Madawaska Valley District School and met her lifelong best friend, Ellen—a friendship that stood the test of time and countless shared memories.

To her husband Gerry, she was always “Blanche”—a nickname spoken with love and cheekiness. Together, they built a life full of laughter, companionship, and the occasional trip to the casino, where they enjoyed a good meal and, more often than not, made a cheerful “donation.”

Carol Ann Stapleton had a quiet way about her, but her presence was deeply felt. She had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humour that would sneak up on you at just the right moment. More than anything, she had a gift for making people feel seen and valued—like, for that moment, they were the only person in the room. Some of the most meaningful conversations with Carol happened one of two ways, over a Tim Hortons coffee or a double shot of Jack (always neat, and always in the fanciest glass available).

Carol wasn’t particularly religious, but she had her own quiet sense of spirituality. Now and then, she would take part in small rituals or superstitions, always with a knowing smile and a shrug, saying, “you know, just in case…”—a reflection of her humour and her openness to life’s mysteries.

She loved time spent with family, whether it was at the cottage for the famously lively quarterly ‘Poker piss-ups’, (where she could always be found chair dancing to AC/DC or Meat Loaf), or sitting down for bingo or Euchre with her sisters-in-law, nieces, and friends. She enjoyed bingo so much that even Shaun in his younger years was often her trusty sidekick, tagging along and learning the ropes early on. Carol rarely sat still for long without a crossword puzzle nearby, keeping her mind as sharp as ever, or a good book in hand—often a biography, though she never turned down a little steamy romance novel now and then.

Carol was also a proud and devoted member of the Bowmanville Legion, Branch 178, where she found friendship, community, and many happy hours among familiar faces.

She leaves behind her loving husband Gerry; her son Shaun; her cherished granddaughter Paige; her brother Roger and sister Alisa; her stepsons Shane, Dylan, and Cory; her brother-in-law Ed; and her sisters-in-law Marie, June, and Mary Ann. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces and nephews, and by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Friday, April 24th at the Bowmanville Legion, Branch 178 (53 Division Street, Bowmanville), from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be made to royal-canadian-legion-bowmanville-ont-no-178-branch-poppy.

Carol’s family would like to send our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bowmanville Hospital and the Bowmanville Legion for their care, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

Carol will be remembered for her warmth, her humour, and the simple, meaningful way she brought people together.