CAROL NOREEN LITTLE PARTRIDGE ARMIT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CAROL NOREEN LITTLE PARTRIDGE ARMIT

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Carol Noreen Little Partridge Armit, former Winnipeg Free Press / CJOB journalist, passed away at age 81.

Carol grew up in McCreary Manitoba, the eldest daughter of Irene and Jack Little. The Littles owned and operated Little's Drugs Store where all their kids spent time helping out. Carol was a member of the McCreary Dramatic Society and subsequently won a scholarship to the prestigious Banff School of Fine Arts. She graduated with a BA from United College (now University of Winnipeg).

In pursuit of acting, Carol moved to New York City in 1960 to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Carol married Terry Partridge from Winnipeg in 1966. They moved to London, England where Carol attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and danced in the radical Dance Theatre Commune. Carol and Terry eventually returned to Canada where Carol graduated from journalism at Carleton University and began her career as a print journalist for the Ottawa Citizen. Carol was a forerunner for women working in the male dominated newsrooms of the time and she continued her career in Manitoba, landing a job she loved at the Winnipeg Free Press. Truly breaking the glass ceiling for those who came after her.

In 1976, CJOB's John Cochrane called on her to host an open line show and she was an instant radio success. She developed a special bond with former Winnipeg Tribune editor, Eric Wells, who became a familiar guest on her radio show. Her peers showed their admiration in 1984, electing Carol as the first woman president of the Winnipeg Press Club.

Now divorced, Carol married for the second time to fellow journalist Jim Armit. They had two children (Eric and Irene) and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan. In 1987, she founded Newswatch Canada which became a successful media monitoring company and operates to this day. During her years in Winnipeg and Regina, she loved and owned racehorses, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time at the racetrack.

Finally retired at the young age of 78, Carol and her partner, Terry Loftus, moved to Killarney, Manitoba. She loved being a "Nana" and had no problems getting down on the floor to play games with her grandchildren. She credited her years of dancing for her continued flexibility. She also discovered hot yoga in her 70s and loved to tell stories about being the oldest yogi in the room. Carol was an avid reader, sports fan, horsewoman, journalist, businesswoman, friend, mother, grandmother and sister.

Carol is survived by her children, Eric of CAF Shilo and Irene (Danick) of Montreal, and grandchildren, Livia and Nolan. She is also survived by four siblings, Lance (Barb), Barb (Ron), Pam and Richard, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Carol was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Irene Little, sister Lynn, sister-in-law Marv, brother-in-law Gerald.

A memorial service will be held at the McCreary Golf and Country Club in Manitoba on July 10 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation in her name to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2024, May 25, 2024