Carol Therese Graves

Passed away surrounded by family and her closest friends on July 3, 2019.  Born in Halifax on June 20, 1927 to Oswald Brackett and Mary Brackett (nee Dempsey) she is predeceased by her parents and her husband Frank Graves, her son Kevin Graves and siblings Oswald  Brackett (Gwen), Donald Brackett (Marg), Molly Brackett, and Betty Donlevy (Jack). She is survived by her children David Graves (Megan Farquhar) of Halifax, Carl Graves (Helen Boyd) of Comox, Jamie Graves of Yemen, Rob Graves (Jeni Dawson) of Ottawa, Christine Graves (Biron Brunelle) of Ottawa, her daughter-in-law Lisa Bartoletto (David McCarron) of Ottawa, her grandchildren Sean Graves, Kevin Graves (Desiree Johns), Matt McCarron, Luke Graves, Ryan Graves, Michael Graves, Mikayla Graves, Anna Graves, Sarah Graves, Neal Graves, Felix Brunelle, one great grandchild David Graves, her sister-in-laws Helen MacLennan and Marion Graves, and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Born in Halifax, Carol lived in Herring Cove, a fishing village, until the age of 6 and then in Halifax. An accomplished artist she began work as a commercial artist after finishing high school.  She married her high school sweetheart Frank Graves on July 31, 1950 (although there were other suitors, Frank won out).  With Frank being in the navy, Carol raised 4 boys under 5 and bore a 5th son, Rob, and finally a girl, her beloved Christine.  After living in England for 2 years, the family moved to Ottawa in 1972 where she worked as a librarian at Colonel By High School. More of a counsellor than a librarian she befriended many students and made a lasting impression. She ran one of those households where young people felt comfortable and took refuge. She made lifelong friendships with her children’s peers. Some were among her closest friends, particularly CC Cranston.  She lost her eldest son Kevin in a tragic bus pedestrian accident in 1985 leaving a widow Lisa Bartoletto. Lisa has formed one of the most unique and closest daughter-in-law relationships which endures to this day.  After retiring, Frank and Carol travelled extensively. Summering in Port Joli and Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Carol and Frank maintained their Nova Scotia roots and dreamed of returning but the magnet of Ottawa held them.  Losing her husband in 2008 Carol cultivated her independence while living in Beacon Hill until she suffered a stroke at age 85.  She spent the last seven years of her life at New Edinburgh Retirement residence and Perley Rideau Veteran’s Health Centre where she received excellent care particularly from Sherree Lockyer and Laurie Bruce. A highlight each year was travelling with Sherree to spend time in Port Joli, with family, a routine she maintained until her 91st year.

A Google search of the meaning of Carol indicates “You are friendly, but are apt to have an emotional life. You are a good talker and promoter. At times, you can be impatient, and impulsive. You can express yourself joyously. You might be psychic, but not know it. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in nature.” With Carol’s death a body of knowledge of Nova Scotia plants will sadly be lost.  Her intelligence, sharp wit, good memory, not to mention her acute hearing were attributes along with a love of reading and walking. 

The last of her Brackett family, her 90^th birthday party was well attended by her nieces and nephews from distant locations. As the matriarch of her multi-generational family, she will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, Lisa, and Sherree.  Friends and Family are invited to visit at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, on Sunday, July 7 from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service in the Sacred Space at 3:30 p.m.   Carol will be interred with Frank in Nova Scotia.