CAROL WHITCOMBE

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CAROL WHITCOMBE

(nee KELMAN)

December 21, 1942 - February 12, 2026

On February 12, 2026, Carol Whitcombe (Lee) (nee Kelman) passed away peacefully at West Park Manor nursing home in Winnipeg.

Carol was born in Winnipeg on December 21, 1942 and spent her formative years in St. James where she attended Assiniboine Elementary School and St. James Collegiate. An accomplished artist, Carol went on to a long and successful career in graphic design and portrait painting. With water colour as her preferred medium, Carol’s amazing creations won awards with the St. James Art Club and gained international exposure when she opened her beloved Spirit Song Gallery in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, where many of her portraits were purchased by visitors from all over North America and she gained recognition and exposure in venues such as Canada’s National Art Gallery.

Before moving briefly to Taos, New Mexico, followed by more than two decades in Mahone Bay, Carol’s time in Winnipeg was also spent actively involved in the Manitoba Theatre Centre, where her artistic talents created elaborate stage settings for a variety of plays performed over many years. Carol was very spiritual in nature and, together with her husband John, guided many healing circles for like-minded residents in and around Nova Scotia.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Jean and Gord Kelman; her first husband Charles (Chuck) Lee; and second husband John Whitcombe. She is survived by her only sibling, Craig Kelman and his wife Barb; nephews, Chris (Anya – Mathias, Luke), Cole (Ashleigh – Ava, Wyatt, Leia) and Scott (Fay – Tori, Claudia) as well as numerous cousins in Winnipeg, Alberta, Ottawa and the Maritimes.

As well as loving memories of Carol, she has left a lasting legacy of artistic creations that continue to be cherished in the homes of her family and others throughout Canada and the US.

Rest in peace sweetheart.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2026