Carole STEPHENS

1942 - 2024

Carole Kathleen Stephens (nee Le Gallee), 81, of Toronto, died Monday, March 25, 2024, at her home of 50 years, just as she wished, with her loving children by her side. Born May 22, 1942, to Norman and Kathleen Le Gallee in Montreal. The family moved to Winnipeg when Carole was eleven, and her father was transferred by the Woods company. Carole enjoyed outdoor activities as a Girl Guide and playing with her little sister, Cheryl, at the family cottage on Caddy Lake. Carole attended Kelvin High School and went on to the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree before moving to Toronto, where she would lay down roots. She had a long and distinguished career in HR, most notably at the University of Toronto. But it was always family that would bring Carole the most joy. Son, Jamie, arrived from a first marriage, and later son, David, and daughter, Sarah, would follow from Carole's marriage to her late-husband, Derek Stephens, whom she met in her early days at U of T. Carole loved fine art, PBS mysteries, Olympic curling, and classical music as well as The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Elton John and Anne Murray. She enjoyed spending afternoons in her beautifully tended garden, weekends at the cottage in the Kawarthas enjoying a nice glass of white wine, watching the cardinals visit her feeder at home, and cuddling with her beloved cat, Charlie. Carole is survived by her three loving children, Jamie (Naomi), Sarah, David and Jordanna; and her four grandchildren whom she adored, Rowan, Harper, Olive and Alice; sister, Cheryl (Joe); nephews, Steven and Tim; and nieces, Stephanie and Joanne. The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at Sunnybrook Hospital, particularly Dr. Bjarnason and Dr. Myrehaug, as well as Dr. Howe, Aresh and the many PSWs of the Temmy Latner Centre's palliative team who took such wonderful care of Carole during her final months. A visitation will be held at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W. (2 stoplights west of Yonge St.), on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow at the same location. A private interment will follow later for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carole's honour to the Odette Cancer Centre or a Charity of Your Choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Service will be available on Zoom on funeral home website.