CAROL (JOY) MILLS, BFA,

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CAROL (JOY) MILLS, BFA, BEd., M.S.A. (nee ARMOOGUM) Artist - Wife - Mother - Grandmother - Sister - Mentor - Friend - Lover of Life Peacefully and with dignity on February 24, 2007, at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Carol Ernestine Matilda Mills affectionately known as Joy departed this world. Carol was an accomplished artist, educator and lover of life in all respects and left an indelible mark on the many, many lives whom she touched. She was a devoted wife to husband John, an amazing mother to sons, Richard and Nicholas, a very special mother-in-law to Caroline, a loving Grammy to Jordan and Samson as well as a loyal friend and confidant to many. Carol was born in Couva, Trinidad on July 25, 1941 to Claude and Verna (Ramesar) Armoogum and spent her formative years surrounded by her large extended family. She was special from the day she was born and a joy to her parents. Carol had a loving and nurturing childhood growing up in the West Indies. From her parents and extended family she learned the values and importance of lasting friendships and compassion towards others, literature, life-long learning and a love for entertaining that lives on in her children and grandchildren. While in Trinidad, Carol met the love of her life John and after a whirlwind courtship they married in 1965. In 1967, John, Carol and newborn Richard immigrated to Winnipeg where they established themselves as an integral part of the community. After being a stay-at-home Mum to Richard and Nicholas, Carol attended the University of Manitoba where she attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts and her Bachelor of Education Degrees, majoring in Art and English. She had a distinguished and fulfilling career as an educator with the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Winnipeg School Division and with the Fort Garry School Division. She inspired colleagues, contemporaries, students and strangers alike with her charisma, positive attitude, mentorship and joie de vivre. Friendships that she fostered from her University and teaching days continue and she also served as a positive role model for the many students whose lives she impacted. Carol's mantra was for one to live life to the fullest potential wherever possible. Her positive influence in this respect was instrumental in her son Nicholas' attaining his Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation at the University of British Columbia and her nephew Darryl's decision to follow his calling in spiritual care and pursue his Masters of Divinity Degree at the University of Winnipeg. Richards' time at the University of Manitoba launched his career as one of the leading entertainment agents in Canada. Carol's true calling was her passion for art and her expression as an artist. She travelled the world, studied art extensively and experienced the great galleries of the world first hand. Until her passing she was involved extensively with the Manitoba Society of Artists as their President, Traveling Exhibit Co-ordinator and Social Convenor. An accomplished traveller, and a world class shopper, Carol was a true citizen of the world. Carol's artistic, cultural and spiritual enlightenment culminated in 2005 when she journeyed with her beloved cousin Merle Ramdial and Merle's husband Ian on an amazing passage to India. Carol was known in many circles as an accomplished Scrabble player, a talented planner and designer, a gifted horticulturist, a great dancer, a literary aficionado, a consummate hostess and a culinary legend. Predeceased by her sister Sandra, Carol will be dearly missed by her beloved husband John; son Richard (Caroline); grandsons, Jordan and Samson of Toronto; son Nicholas of Vancouver; brother Horace (Sheran) of Maple Ridge, BC; brother Rawle of Los Angeles; brother Frank (Marilyn) of Winnipeg; nieces, Natasha and Kristen. In the last few months, Carol was greatly comforted toward her spiritual journey onwards by her special nephew Darryl with whom she shared a unique bond. Carol will also be missed by family and friends in Winnipeg and throughout the world. Her legacy lives on. The Mills family wishes to express our gratitude for the love and support from the many family, friends and neighbours who provided comfort, visitation and support to us all over the past few months; Sagietta, Mary, Cousin Richie, Louella, Pat, Ed and Zinny, Madeline, Leslie, Anne and Lew and so many others. As well, the family would like to acknowledge the amazing healthcare professionals at home and at the Health Sciences Centre that provided such excellent and compassionate care to Carol from the Health Sciences Centre Department of Nephrology, Wards GH4 and GA4 and from the WRHA Home Care Nurses. In true Trinidad style, a traditional wake was held at the Mills Family home on February 25, 2007 to give Carol a proper send-off. A family service and cremation with the Rev. Neville Phills officiating took place on February 27, 2007. As a testament to her work, a Celebration of Life and an exhibition of Carol's art will be held in June 2007 in Winnipeg with the venue and date to be announced at a later time. Carol loved life to the fullest, and embodied it with an amazing sense of style, grace, fashion, panache; she personified class in the truest sense of the word. She made the world a better place and will be remembered in the hearts of many. Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. - Marcel Proust (1871-1922) French Novelist.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2007