September 12, 2020
McIlhagga, Carole Anne (nee Rees)
Peacefully on Saturday September 12th, 2020 at the age of 73, surrounded by her husband and children at her home in Russell, Ontario.
Carole lived a full life with deep dedication to her family, friends, work and community. Her zest for life was demonstrated through her active involvement and leadership in a long list of community organizations and as host of many gatherings held at the McIlhagga home.
She touched many lives through her work as a nurse at the Civic Hospital, followed by decades as a public health nurse in Ottawa, Cornwall, Winchester and Casselman. Following retirement from nursing and completion of her Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution, she headed the Children’s Creative Response to Conflict (Canada), where she had a great influence on many families and children. Her special interest in conflict resolution and peace impacted many people throughout her career through varied projects internationally.
Her husband Liston, her son David (Debora Pagurek), her daughter Cariad (Jason Garratt), her grandchildren Natalie, Arlen and Kayla, her siblings Susan Powell, Twm Rees and Claire Rees-Woods are among the thousands of lives who continue to be enriched by Carole. She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Joan Rees, and her brother Robert.
Her determination and resilience served her well throughout her life, and was particularly evident during two decades of living with Parkinson’s Disease. For those desiring, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, 4211 Yonge St. Suite 316, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9 (www.parkinson.ca).