When I think about Carol…

Carol always quietly wove threads, collectively creating a warm fabric of friendships, some closely interlaced, others running in parallel, others crossing paths for a while and regrouping in a gently shifting pattern. As we all know, she had so many friends and colleagues, alongside her large family, who loved her and would have wanted to be here today to say goodbye to her in person, and this room and the space outside would have been so full.

So, we are going to read the following words as threads which are taken from messages from Carol’s friends and family, many watching now on Zoom. Some of these words are taken from the blog space where memories and photographs are being added to daily.

When I think about Carol…

She would often say ‘do have fun’

It felt like a special moment and that’s what Carol could do

I think of her love of butter and the way she said ‘I shouldn’t really’ 

I think of her love for, and pride as a mother, to Edie and Henry
and as the partner and wife of Seb

And there she was, Carol. In her mother’s beret, effortlessly stylish and calm, with an immediate warmth and open friendliness

Her warm, beautiful smile, thoughtfulness and endless positivity, she was always fun to be with

I think of how she made us all feel better, and safer, for being around her

Two things I learned from her: ‘people are different’; ‘we’ll work it out’

I think of her insightfulness, patience and sensitivity and how she always thought of other people’s feelings, and so generously nurtured all around her

I think of Carol’s quiet strength, her clarity, integrity and direction; her cleverness, and her huge sense of initiative and responsibility 

I think of her poise, her impeccable manners, her kindness and gentleness of spirit

I think of how she showed us how to live well in this world, to project a sense of being grateful for each day

I think of her sparkly eyes, and that she was calm, wry and lovely; I think of a graceful, feminine and beautiful woman 

I think of her as perceptive, caring, loving, beautiful inside and out, radiant, and considerate, adorable and full of sunshine!

The world will be a lesser place without her

We are all better for finding Carol and for finding each other

It was fitting that my last memory of you was your lovely smiling face

We think of how Carol’s radiating smile still brightens the room

And Carol walking off smiling and smiling into the sunshine one morning

Text written by Bobby, Genevieve and Becky, with quotes are from various friends.