Mrs. Carol Ann Waddington, age 80 years, resident of Current River, passed away peacefully with her family by her side in ICU at TBRHSC on Friday, December 8, 2023. She was born on August 2, 1943 in Port Arthur, Ontario.
Carol started her working years off at the “High Spot” which is now the Dairy Queen on Cumberland Street. But she was best known for her many years as a Car Hop at A&W right across the street. It was here that Carol met her many wonderful friends that were still very involved in her life until her passing. They were affectionately known as the “Brew Crew.” It was here that Carol made a name for herself, as the minute you mentioned the name Carol Waddington, people would immediately say, “Hey I know her from A&W” not because she was Dick Waddington, the Alderman’s wife, but because of her time at A&W. Her laughter and smile would light up the room, and many who met her, even just at their car window, would remember her for many years to come. After the closing of A&W, Carol went on to work at Confederation College, then on to the housekeeping department at Port Arthur General Hospital, continuing to TBRHSC, from which she retired in 2006.
Carol’s hobbies included bowling, which she excelled in, almost throwing a perfect game! She was also very well known for riding her bike for miles and miles. Once she gave up her bike riding, she would walk around Boulevard every morning, rain or shine with her pals, ending the walk with coffee at Robin’s with the coffee gang. The day officially couldn’t start until that happened.
Carol adored her grandkids and was very proud of everything they did. She was one of their biggest fans and loved cheering them on along the sidelines of their many sports and activities over the years. Carol was also well known to be seen walking with her Grand dog Charlie. They had a special bond together and no matter how much trouble they got into or how many times they got lost, it was always because that’s where Charlie wanted to go! This led to Carol also walking Charlie’s pal, Maya for many more years.
Every Wednesday afternoon, Carol could be found with her many great friends at TOPS where she was a long-standing member and loved her job as treasurer. She made many long-lasting friendships here as well, including taking many cruise vacations with the ladies.
Carol is survived by and will be terribly missed by her son Kevin (Joanne), granddaughter Kayla (Sam), and grandson Cameron, sisters Fran (Ray) Desserre, and Shirley Elchuk, brother in laws and sister in laws, Diane and Ross Fowler, Duane and Dene Waddington, Barb Waddington, and Joanne Waddington. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, with a huge thank you to her niece Theresa McDonald who recently took her to Port Alberni, BC to visit her sister Fran in September, we are truly grateful. We are also truly grateful to her friends/neighbours, Judy and Eber, who helped Carol in so many ways, and were always right there if she needed them. She was predeceased by her husband Richard, whom she lovingly cared for for many years. Her parents Safat and Christine Elchuk, her brother Bill Elchuk, and brother in laws Ken and Glen Waddington.
The family would like to say a huge thank you to Dr. Laferriere, and the whole Cancer Centre Staff who’s care over the last 3 years was truly exceptional and second to none. We are truly grateful for everything. We also want to say thank you to the 1A, 2A, ER, renal and ICU staff for their incredible care and compassion over these last few months.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Current River Recreation Centre, 450 Dewe Avenue. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre or Northern Hearts Thunder Bay.
Carol looked at the world around her with amazement, and truly loved the little things in life. If everyone could look at the world through her eyes, the world would be a better place.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
