Carol Anne (Swaebe) Stephen

In Loving Memory
Carol Anne Stephen (née Swaebe)
1947 – 2025

With hearts full of love and sorrow, the family of Carol Anne Stephen shares the news of her passing on November 29, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario at the age of 78.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Carol grew into a woman who carried words the way others carry keepsakes—tucked close, cherished, and always ready to be offered with kindness. She attended George Harvey Secondary School and Algonquin College, stepping into the world with determination and a steady sense of purpose.

Carol built a long and accomplished career in banking and finance, retiring from Mitel after years marked by integrity, patience, and gentle professionalism.

In her later years, Carol embraced her lifelong love of language, becoming a published poet. Her poems revealed a tender, perceptive spirit—one that found beauty in the quiet corners of life and offered it back to others through her words.

She was previously married to John Galko, and to John Stephen, each a meaningful chapter in her life’s story. Carol is lovingly remembered by her brother, Norm Swaebe of Carleton Place, Ontario.

A celebration of life will be held on April 13, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home (19 McArthur Ave, Carleton Place). Tributes will be shared at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

In honour of her compassionate spirit, memorial donations may be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, or to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol Anne (Swaebe) Stephen, please visit our floral store.