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Carol Tharnovitch

Image by Nick Andréka

CAROLYN "CAROL" THARNOVITCH

(née Harrison)

January 4, 1943 – December 4, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Carol Tharnovitch on December 4, 2024, at the age of 81.


Carol leaves behind her devoted husband, Bob, daughters Sue Romaniuk (Derek), Sheri Tharnovitch (Keith), and much adored grandsons, Samson and Zak. Carol will also be lovingly remembered by her “favourite” niece Eileen, nephew Gordon and many cousins and friends.


Carol was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Marie Harrison and sister, June McMillan.


Carol was born on January 4, 1943 in Winnipeg. When she was two years of age, her father, a navigator in the Second World War, was shot down over Germany and perished. Her mother raised Carol and her older sister June, growing up in Norwood.


Carol attended Holy Cross School, St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from St. Boniface College.


In 1965, Carol became a Lay Missionary and travelled to the Empandeni Mission in Plumtree, Rhodesia, Africa. She taught English and Music to the students there for three years. When she returned to Winnipeg, Carol applied to the Winnipeg Police Department but was told she was over qualified for the position. She then applied to Marymound School, where she helped with the education of young, struggling girls. Through her working career, Carol worked at Kipp Kelly, taught at St. Gerard’s School, was a secretary at the University of Winnipeg and ended up retiring at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans with the Federal Government.


In 1968, Carol met her soul mate Bob and in September of 1969, they were married.


They had their first daughter, Sheri the following year and their second daughter, Suzy the year after that. The family went on a lot of trips together. They would frequently go to Moosehorn, MB, Skownan, MB. and made a few trips to Summerland, B.C. to visit her Auntie Anne. They also travelled to Disneyworld when the girls were about 10 or so. Her mom came along and had a ball on the rides with us. Carol and Bob later went on this same trip with Suzy, husband Derek and Samson and Zak in 2013 and again rode every ride in both Disney and Universal Studios.


Carol was an excellent pianist. From a teenager, she would play the organ at Sunday masses, weddings and anniversaries at various churches, namely, Holy Cross, Precious Blood, St. Gerard’s and St. Bernadette’s. Carol was also an original member of the Sisters of the Holy Rock. She would accompany the many talented singers and would come to be known as the famous Italian bus driver, Favio. Where she would dress up with a curly wig, mustache, uniform and horn and tell jokes to the audience.


Later on in her life, Carol was blessed with her two beloved grandsons, Samson and Zak. They were much adored and cherished.


Carol enjoyed her crossword puzzles, playing cards and games, reading, watching the Bomber games with Bob as well as attending the Gold Eye games. She loved to tell jokes, dance and socialize with her friends.


A Celebration of her Life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 10, 2024, at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Facility).


In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you wish, make a donation to The Canadian Mental Health Association, Winnipeg Pet Rescue, East Beaches Animal Shelter, Wildlife Haven or any other charity of your choice.


Carol’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Theresa (Murphy) Burke

January 5, 2025 at 2:56 PM

Carol was a friend, a neighbour and a classmate during our high school years at Holy Cross. Who will ever forget our antics especially during our Grade 11 class trip to Minneapolis with Msgr. Empson! Carol was one of a kind, always ready for a laugh or an adventure, and the world is a better place from her being a part of it.

Deanne McDonald

January 5, 2025 at 1:55 PM

Carol (Carolyn) was one of my college friends many years ago, and what a delight she was: very friendly, outgoing, smart, talented, caring and so much fun! I loved the photo gallery and send heartfelt sympathy to her beloved family.

Linda Hatton

December 29, 2024 at 1:19 PM

Linda Hatton

Where does one begin to describe the influence one human being had on another. My earliest memories of my cousin Carol are how I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. On field trips to Assiniboine Park, the school bus would pass the University and I believed I would go there one day. Why? Because my older cousin, a girl, was smart and taught me that girls could do anything they set their mind to. Like my cousin Cathy, Carol was also my sponsor for my First Communion and Confirmation. She was a liberated woman before the women's liberation movement even took hold. I was in awe that she would travel to Africa and vowed one day I would too. But it was not until I retired that I went to Tanzania in 2010. I can only imagine the reunion in heaven. Aunt Helen and Uncle Bob I am sure welcomed you warmly and showed you the ropes while you kept everyone laughing. I so enjoyed your spontaneous phone calls but trust you will continue to speak to me now in other ways. My love and deepest sympathy to all. You were so dearly loved dear cousin. You will be so missed!

Michele and Tom Baril

December 23, 2024 at 11:15 PM

We are so saddened to hear of Carol's passing. She was a very talented accompanist who made anyone she played for sound wonderful. We are honored to have called her a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bob, Sheri, Suzy and families during this time of loss.

 

Cathy (Dratwa) Penner

December 23, 2024 at 7:57 AM

My "Aunt" Carol holds a special place in my heart. She spent time with my mom over the years making her laugh and smile with her jokes and stories. She watched over my mom during her final days and provided comfort to my sisters and I. One of my special memories of her was watching her play the piano for the Sisters of the Holy Rock and making so many people laugh and smile. When I was younger, I was capivated by her stories of her time spent in Africa. She is now at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you Bob, Sheri, Sue and family.

Tex Palyszniuk

December 22, 2024 at 10:12 PM

To Bob Sheri and Suzie I am very sorry for your loss. Carol was one of the nicest people I knew.

Chris and Mark Jawa

December 22, 2024 at 1:31 PM

Mark and I are heartbroken at the news of Carol's passing. We will always fondly remember boisterous political discussions while playing cards at the kitchen table, the some funny some questionable jokes Carol always shared and the heartfelt stories she told. She never held back her thoughts.

 

To Bob, Sheri & Kieth, Suzie & Derek and Sampson and Zak, Mark and I pray that memories of beautiful times help heal your hearts during this difficult time.

Henri Braga

December 21, 2024 at 10:36 PM

The essences of a neighborhood is the ability for people who did not know each other but by virtue of living on the same street came together and formed wonderfull frienships. As we played outside as kids I would listen to Carol play the piano and that inspired me to keep practicing my music. I also respected her because when she raised her voice, she meant business.

Silvino Braga

December 21, 2024 at 9:17 PM

Bob,Sheri and Suzie so sorry for your loss. Some of my fondest memories are sitting on the front steps of the Hallet house waiting for Sheri and Suzie to come out and listening to the great sound of the panio being played by Mrs T. Sending hugs and prayers.❤️❤️

Patrick Loden

December 21, 2024 at 5:45 PM

Uncle Bob, Sheri, Suzie and family, my heart goes out to all of you, I will always cherish the many memories of our families spending so much time togther, making lasting memories, I will miss you Auntie.

Love Patty

Jan Fernandes

December 21, 2024 at 2:57 PM

Our deepest condolences to Uncle Bob , Sheri and Keith , Suzy and Derek,Sam and Zak . So many memories of our families together. card games , weekends at our cabin, ringing in the New Year,,times spent laughing and just being together. I think of all these times spent together and I smile..We loved you Auntie Carol.

Ida Reichardt

December 21, 2024 at 2:26 PM

My deepest sympathies to you, Bob, and the whole family.

Carol was a big part of my family "back in the day", mostly through music. She accompanied, first my sister Eleanor, then me, at many many funerals and weddings and for St. Bernadette's Parish choir. And she and my sister Eleanor worked together in what is now Zimbabwe, Africa.

We had many a fun time through the years, and even though we eventually lost touch, her loss is felt profoundly.

Patti Wawyn

December 21, 2024 at 9:20 AM

Bob, Sheri, Sue and families. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother. I will always remember her warm smile and engaging personality. May the memories you created live in your hearts and bring solace at this time of grief.

Jim Woligroski

December 21, 2024 at 9:17 AM

Dear Bob,Sheri,Suzy and Family

I am at a kind of loss for words ,having now heard of her passing. It was just recent Carol and myself were talking up a storm,at a birthday party.

Sorry and condolences. Jim and Bonnie

Tina

December 21, 2024 at 9:14 AM

Sheri and family, I was so saddened to read about your Mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Frank Farkas

December 21, 2024 at 8:15 AM

Sheri, Suzy and family,, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing, I will always have fond memories of her, having grown up in the same neighborhoo, The North End, Please accept my condolences.

Frank Farkas.

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Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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