Carole Mills

Dr. Carole E.M. Mills 1934 – 2025

Carole Elizabeth Maxine, the cherished wife of Frank Mills for 65 years, beloved mother of David (Jane), Sue, Tracy, and Steve (Michele), grandmother (Nanny) of Bowie, Kane (Melissa), Evan (Tori), Raylea (Corey), Colin, Kyle, Max, McKinley, and Jade, and great-grandmother of  Leia, Lennon, Lilyan, Lee, Eleanora and Sophie, passed away peacefully on May 28th in her 91st year, at home surrounded by her loving family. Carole was predeceased by her parents Sarah and George (Mac) Williams and is survived by her sister Ruth Rennie.

Born in Almonte and raised in Carleton Place, Ontario, Carole grew up with a quiet determination, that would define her extraordinary life. At the age of two, during a summer at the family cottage, she contracted polio—a challenge that shaped her early years but never dimmed her spirit. Her resilience and strength became hallmarks of her personality. Carole used her commitment to face adversity playing tennis despite her physical limitations and learning to ski with her family. She cherished time spent with her father showing dogs together – a shared passion that brought them great enjoyment.

She pursued a path few women of her generation followed by becoming a medical doctor in 1961 through studies at both Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa. Although she did not pursue a career working as a physician with four children to raise, she went on to use her knowledge and skills working as a pharmacist with her father in his town pharmacy. Carole never lost her passion for continual learning and kept abreast of medical, health, and broader scientific issues which she often shared with her children by mailing them information and newspaper clippings. Given her lifelong love of medicine and commitment to science, Carole donated her remains to the University of Ottawa to help educate future physicians.

Carole was very creative and artistic. She studied piano as a child and adolescent to a grade 8 level, completed a dual degree in visual arts and biochemistry at McGill, and would often do crafts with her children and grandchildren. She painted stunning watercolour landscapes that adorn the family’s and children’s homes with beauty and memories. She also loved listening to music, particularly folk and campfire tunes played on the guitar by family members.

Her greatest pride was her family, and she delighted in family gatherings, long conversations, and the simple joy of being surrounded by those she loved the most. Carole’s happiest place was the family cottage close to her favourite wild-flower garden, the old trees, the lake, and the birds.

Carole’s legacy is the family she loved and nurtured. The title of being the Old Goat, lovingly bestowed on her by her oldest son while he was in high school became a mantra that she was proud of. When the word goat became the acronym for Greatest of All Time she was confirmed in her rightful family status. She will be remembered for her intellect, perseverance, love of learning, kindness, sharp wit, forgiveness, humility, depth of compassion, and remarkable strength with which she navigated life’s joys and challenges. The influence that she provided is a key ingredient of the character strength and cohesiveness of her descendants. Carole was an enormous ray of sunshine for her family and will be greatly missed but never forgotten in our hearts and deep in our souls.

The family deeply appreciates the assistance from family, personal support workers, and palliative care nurses that gave Carole compassionate care and made caring for her at home at the end of her life possible. Her family deeply appreciates the flowers that have been received in her memory. A private Celebration of Life will be held at her favorite place, the family cottage.

For those that wish to make a charitable donation in her honour, please do so to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa or Queen’s University, the March of Dimes, or a charity of their choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carole Mills, please visit our floral store.