Obituary of Carole Dawn Wardlaw

October 11, 1940 – Simpson, Saskatchewan

December 6, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Carole Wardlaw passed away peacefully in the presence of her family at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB, on Friday, December 6, 2024. Thank you to the staff at FMC who were professional and compassionate.

Carole was born in the town of Simpson, SK, in 1940 and grew up in the town of Imperial with her parents, Earl and Agnes Shirkey, and brothers, Raymond, Ron, and Daryl.  She was a member of the United Church Young People group in Saskatoon and forged many lasting relationships.

She attended the University of Saskatchewan, where she graduated with an English and Teaching degree in 1963. Her true love was in piano performance, where her natural musical ability led to her becoming an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) in Toronto. Carole excelled at many musical genres, from classical to improvised jazz to Happy Birthday for her family and friends.  Carole could not only play from sheet music, but she had the gift of playing by ear; just hum a few notes and she could play the song. Carole was inspired by her Imperial music teacher and friend, Isabel Lewis, and honed her iconic music career.

Carole met Norman Wardlaw at the University of Saskatchewan and was married in New York in 1964, which was soon followed by a very enjoyable wedding reception in Imperial. Together they had two sons, David and Richard, and settled in Calgary in 1972. While raising her family, Carole combined her teaching and musical gifts to become a well-loved and dedicated teacher at Montessori School. She conducted annual Christmas concerts and assemblies that were enjoyed by students and parents alike.

She loved baking shortbread cookies with her granddaughters, Olivia, Ayla, Sophia, and Clara. She had a deep love of life and spent many joyful hours birdwatching and exploring the outdoors. She was a devoted member of the Evergreen Outdoor Club, Morning Musicale, as well as a competitive Scrabble group where she formed lasting friendships.

Carole was predeceased by her brother Raymond (Maria), and her brother-in-law Alastair (Jackie).  She is survived by her loving husband Norman Wardlaw, her sons, David (Patti) and Richard (Jennifer); four wonderful grandchildren, her brothers, Ronald (Elizabeth) and Daryl (Shelagh); and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Carole’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Wardlaw’s service streamed live (link to follow) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Rest in Peace, Carole. Your music will play on forever.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Carole’s family here.

In living memory of Carole Wardlaw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Carole Wardlaw’s Funeral Service