CAROL DOROTHY (ESHOO) HOLM (NORMAN)

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CAROL DOROTHY (ESHOO) HOLM (nee NORMAN) July 30, 1919 - July 7, 2014 After a long and very full life, Carol Holm passed away peacefully on July 7, 2014 just prior to her 95th birthday. The earliest chapters of Carol's life were set in northern Ontario. Born in Dryden, ON, the daughter of pioneers Olga (Nordrum) and Oscar Norman, she lived first in Wabigoon, later growing up in nearby Sioux Lookout. A life in Winnipeg followed. She graduated from the Misericordia School of Nursing on VE Day in 1945, and married her first husband, Dr. Homer Eshoo in 1947. They raised their family in the golden era of Old St. Vital. During these years she was an active volunteer supporting performing arts groups in Winnipeg. When the family moved to Windsor, ON in 1967, Carol had an opportunity to attend university on a part-time basis and after several years proudly earned an Honours B.A degree in English Literature in 1979. Following Homer's passing in 1980, Carol returned to Winnipeg and in 1983 married Dr. Arnold Holm, gaining a large extended family and beginning yet another new chapter. After Arnold passed away in 2003, Carol kept up her many interests while living in her own apartment until very recently. She cherished her independence. Carol was a life-long learner and voracious reader. History, biography, literature, even sports - she loved it all and was further gifted with a razor-sharp memory that served her well in her role as the go-to family historian. She was a glutton for news, current events, and enjoyed following and discussing politics. She was from the era when hand-written letters and cards were an art form and she further dabbled in writing fiction, with several locally-published short stories and articles to her credit. She had a passion for the performing arts and an abiding affection for wild birds, Canadian literature, lavender and pansies, Pavarotti, the British Royals and Frank Sinatra, to note just a few of her favourite things. In addition to Homer and Arnold, Carol was predeceased by her brother Alfred Norman. She is survived by her children: Dr. Norman Eshoo (Judy), Christopher Eshoo (Melissa), and Melodie Eshoo Sleeva (Don); her stepchildren: son Trevor (Valerie), daughter Joanne Unruh (David) and daughter Barbara Holm (Rick); and grandchildren: Lauren, Jonny, Keith (Carol), Lara (Michael), Christine, Paul (Angela), David, Iain, Jamie and Kerine; and great-grandchildren: Cambree, Alexa, Aidan, Nicholas, Josh and Avery. She also leaves behind her brother Bill Burns (Pauline), in-laws Helga, Lil and Daniel, close cousins, and nieces and nephews to whom "Auntie Carol" ever-faithfully extended annual birthday wishes. Honouring her request, there will not be a formal funeral service but rather the family will hold a graveside memorial at a later date. Donations in Carol's memory may be made to the charity of your choice. The family would like to extend much appreciation to the staff of the Cornish 2 unit at Misericordia Health Centre for the compassionate care provided to Carol during her short stay there. Having been fortunate to have this remarkable woman in our lives for so long, we will miss her terribly. My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But, ah, my foes, and, oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2014