Tribute

Carol-Anne Stiles’ Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Carol-Anne Stiles on September 12, 2024, at the age of 78. Carol-Anne was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in June 2024, and after a short but resolved battle, she passed away peacefully at the Duncan Hospice.

Carol-Anne is predeceased by her parents Lester and Beatrice Greenshields, and her sister-in-law, Melanie Greenshields. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert Stiles, her two sons, Christopher (Shana and Mikala), and Michael (Nicole Isola, Imogen, and Emerson); her brother Douglas Greenshields, her niece Regina Sampson (Tyler, Emma, Abigail, and Maria), her nephew Hayden Greenshields (Theresa, Sophia, and Milania), and many more nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Carol-Anne was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan before her family settled in Port Renfrew on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Carol-Anne met her husband, Robert, in Victoria, where they both worked at the Bank of Montreal. They married in Victoria on October 1, 1976, and she and Robert spent 48 years together in Victoria, Edmonton, Duncan, White Rock, Gabriola Island, and then back to Duncan. Carol-Anne and Robert loved tending to their picturesque gardens, and enjoyed the company of their pets, including a few cats and many dogs. They created a beautiful life together, along with Christopher and Michael, and their families.

Carol-Anne was a voracious reader. It was not uncommon for her to be engrossed in several stories at the same time. As well, she was a dedicated swimmer and an expert gardener.  During her and Robert’s time on their hobby farm in Duncan on Glenora Road, they built their first home, and raised steers, pigs, countless chickens, as well as the very overweight and ornery pony, Dolly. They spent many years here, and Christopher and Michael visited every summer where they were put to work on the farm. Her sons learned what hard work meant, and they will always cherish their time with Carol-Anne, baking cookies, picking plums and cherries, tending to the vegetable garden, tubing down the Cowichan River, and camping in various spots on Southern Vancouver Island.

Carol-Anne chose to be cremated, and the family is grateful for the caring support and authentic warmth of the people at H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre. Carol-Anne’s wish is to be placed beside her parents at Royal Oak Burial Park and Crematorium in Victoria. A celebration of life will take place at the Duncan United Church on Saturday, November 23^rd at 1:30pm.  The church is located in downtown Duncan at 246 Ingram Street. Following the service, there will be a reception.  Please rsvp to mistiles@telus.net if you are attending the service. Include names and number of attendees.

The family wish to thank the ladies at Harmony Health Care for their help in supporting Carol-Anne and Robert.  Also, they thank the BC Cancer Agency in Victoria for helping Carol-Anne and the family navigate the final months of her life.

Carol-Anne was a gentle soul who never complained about the cards she was dealt with in her life. Despite being diagnosed with MS in 1989, then macular degenerative disease, and finally lung cancer, Carol-Anne continued to smile, choosing to relish in the positives rather than the negatives. This was one of Carol-Anne’s most admirable qualities.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the MS Society or BC Cancer in her honour.

Rest in peace and may your memory be eternal.