CAROL ROSE AITKENHEAD

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CAROL ROSE AITKENHEAD

March 12,1950 - January 10,2026

After a life filled with love, dedication and hard work, Carol passed away surrounded by family on January 10.

Carol was predeceased by her forever husband Brian in 1994; her father Stanley Ludwick ('97); brother Gary Ludwick ('03); mother Rose Ludwick ('22); friend Susan Semeniuk ('23).

To mourn her passing are her sons Ryan (Ryon); James (Carmen), grandsons Jordan and Joshua Aitkenhead; and grandlove Kadyn Gacek; brother Terry (Dona) Ludwick; Brother-in-law George (Marge) Aitkenhead; nieces Vicki (Dave) Strick; Christine Ludwick; Casey (Cole) Holliday; Tara (Ryan) Jonker. Nephews Lee (Rochelle) Aitkenhead;Robert Ludwick; Kelsey Frost; Thomas (Kat) Ludwick; William Ludwick; great-nieces Aaron Aitkenhead, Reese Aitkenhead and great-nephews Eric Strick, Benjamin Ludwick and Cian Jonker.

Carol was born in Winnipeg Manitoba and grew up on the family farm in Narol. She often spoke about life as a little girl, following the tractor picking potatoes, helping in the garden and eventually driving that very same tractor. Carol attended Donald School, Robert Andrews Junior High and River East Collegiate.

She was an exceptional student and was involved in various school clubs and sports teams, even the basketball teams, an accomplishment being she stood all of 5 ft. On weekends she worked for Rose Marie Catering, whereby the age of 16, found herself managing and running full scaled catering services.

Raised in a family that honored family and hard work, Carol grew into a lady that met life head on with a steady hand and determined heart. In 1966 that heart met Brian, who later became her loving husband. Carol was ambitious and had the lust for life.

Carol attended Business Commercial College where she completed a diploma program in Stenography in 1969. Her skills landed her a position at Labatt’s Brewery acting as VP assistant. In 1970, Ludwick Catering was created by Carol’s mother, Rose and father, Stan, where she worked on weekends along with her full-time commitment to Labatt’s.

Carol and Brian were married on September 9, 1972, and for the following years worked tirelessly to create a wonderful life together. Carol and Brian eventually joined Ludwick Catering on a full-time basis to help out with the demands of a growing business. 1978 was a year of promise, as they opened the door to their dream home and to the life changing love of their first-born son, Ryan. Carol and Brian were blessed with a second son, James in 1987. For years following, Carol, Brian and sons enjoyed family vacations to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Florida and Mexico.

Tragically in March of 1994 after 21 loving years together with Brian, Carol was widowed and faced the uncertain challenge of raising her two sons alone. With great love, patience and determination she took on the role of raising her boys with stern guidance and loving care every step of the way.

Poised with the immense challenge of running a business and raising her sons, Carol relied on her life-long faith in God for strength. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 55 years, acting in various positions including President for many years. Carol was also deeply involved in the Corpus Christi Parish Council, where she had a principal role in design and construction of the new Corpus Christi Church and Hall in 1997.

Carol was committed to excellence in every way and would always go that extra mile to ensure goals were achieved. Her nails were always done majestically, and her hairstyle and outfit had to be just so. In her early life she enjoyed golfing and curling in various ladies’ leagues at Rossmere Golf and Country Club and East St. Paul Curling club. Carol also enjoyed a good game of cards spending hours playing “Thirty-one” and cribbage with the family at gatherings at home and the cottage in Winnipeg Beach on precious summer days and nights.

In the years that followed Brian’s passing Carol spent a great deal of time with her mother Rose. They continued as partners in Ludwick Catering, and in 2006 became part of a new venture called Perfect Pierogies. It wasn’t all business though, as they could often be found gallivanting around the city; the province and various destinations across North America on some adventure. They were as connected as a mother and daughter could be.

Passed from mother to daughter was the personal pride providing people with food they would enjoy and trust. Most customers started as neighbours, those customers that weren’t neighbours probably were referred by a neighbour. Over the years countless meals were provided to a host of events that connected Carol not only to family but hundreds of thousands of people in the wider community through Ludwick Catering. Good food and service was the only marketing plan she needed.

Carol looked up to her brother Gary throughout his whole life and after his passing he was never far from her thoughts. She always treasured the connection to Gary’s family and kept his memory alive at each family gathering. There were so many family gatherings that Carol loved. She kept the family together. Carol’s trusted friend Susan Semeniuk passed away in 2023. They shared decades of camaraderie. No two friends could have been closer than Carol and Susan.

Carol shared a connection with her younger brother Terry that was truly evident to anyone who crossed their path, an unbreakable bond. Brother and sister moving independently through life, yet somehow always in reach of the other. Whether it was sharing regular suppers to catch up or reminiscing over breakfast after church, their time together was filled with comfort, laughter, and an unspoken understanding. To witness them in conversation was to see a rare closeness, an understanding where words were often unnecessary. Their bond strengthened yet again as they stood together for their mother, navigating her final years hand in hand, turning even the hardest moments into memories filled with love, strength, and togetherness.

Carol’s time with us was far too short, as the heart of our family, she stood firm in faith, graceful in spirit, and boundless in love. Her laughter brightened our days, her wisdom guided our steps, and her devotion held us together. Her legacy is not measured only in years, but in the love, she leaves behind. “Great Love Lives On.”

Prayers for the soul of Carol Aitkenhead will be held at Cropo’s Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street on February 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass and Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church 5819 Henderson Hwy on February 26 at 10:30 a.m. reception to follow at Holy Eucharist Parish Hall 460 Munroe Ave.

Contributions can be made to the Corpus Christi Building Fund in memory of Carol.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2026