Carol Ann OTTON

CAROL ANN OTTON Carol Ann Otton (née Cameron), aged 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, July 3, 2022, in St. Catharines, Ontario. She is survived by husband, Tom Otton; was the cherished sister of John and Nancy Cameron, Judy Cameron, and Mary Cameron and Dennis Bradford; beloved mom to Barbara Rodgers, Michael Rodgers and Jennifer Rodgers; and stepmother to Dan (Yoko) and David Otton, and families. The greatest joy of Carol's life was as the adored Gram to Chloe (Stirling), Ariel, Brody, Cole, Sydney, Nicholas and Aveleigh, and especially as GG to her treasured new great-grandson, Iverson. Carol was born March 5, 1940 to parents John and Ruth Cameron in Niagara Falls, Ontario, displaying a determined attitude and passion for caring for others from a young age. As a teenager, Carol and her family moved to England where she attended boarding school, and met her dearest friend and confidant, Ann Kemp, a friendship that continues to encompass their children (especially her much loved friend Polly Sharman) and grandchildren. Following her focus on raising her children, Carol returned to school to pursue her RN, spending the ensuing years providing dedicated care to her community, and was cared for deeply by those she helped in return. After a life building a family and strong friendships in Montreal, Toronto and Collingwood, Carol returned to her birthplace, Niagara Falls for its milder climate and to be nearer to her mother in Ruth's final years. In each location, and especially after becoming a grandmother, her home was a place of family gathering, notably during Christmas which was never complete without her famous cabbage salad. As the eldest of the extended McNally clan of grandchildren, Carol was happiest when holding court on the veranda at the family's cottage on Lake Erie, a rum and coke in hand, listening to the latest gossip. The cottage, bought by her grandmother ('Daw') in the 1940s and held by the family for over 70 years, served as a meeting place for the many branches of the McNally family and exists in memory as a cherished place for all who had the great fortune to summer there. As devoted Gram, Carol was a central figure in each of her grandchildren's lives, championing all they achieved and blessing them every year with her own delightful rendition of 'Happy Birthday' (something that was looked forward to with a great deal of joy despite its less-than-dulcet tones). Carol devoted her life to the people she loved, always ready to lend her ear and iron will to those who knew her. To her family and friends across Canada and abroad, she was a confidant, a pillar of support in their best and worst times, a favourite person to share news and gossip with - always reliable for a dry, straightforward and often hilarious remark. In the last few years, her stoicism and tenacity in her lengthy fight against cancer reinforced her nickname as 'the Iron Lady.' She was, quite simply, the sort of woman you met and never forgot. Our matriarch, she will be deeply missed and dearly remembered for her vivacity, strength and unwavering love. Her family are sincerely grateful for the kindness and wonderful care Carol received at the Walker Family Cancer Centre and Hospice Niagara. In lieu of a funeral service or flowers, the family would welcome a remembrance by donating to Hospice Niagara, The Stabler Centre. Arrangements entrusted to the Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel (905-354-5614). Condolences and memories may be shared for the family at hetheringtonanddeans.com.