Constance Winnifred Carter (Connie) was born in Clive, Alberta, the only daughter (with 6 brothers) of Winnifred Carter (nee Shaw) and Vincent Carter. Connie moved to Victoria with her family in 1944 and worked for Andrew Sheret Ltd. until she met and married Earl on Dec 29, 1945. She had four sons and three daughters with Earl between 1946 and 1959.
Connie was beautiful inside and out. Fun, feisty, energetic, down-to -earth, kind and generous with her time. She was probably the best mom any child could ask for. She was a mom who welcomed everyone who passed through her door, feeding friends and family her amazing chocolate pies, cinnamon buns, meat pies and much more, all with her special brand of love.
As an industrious and fun stay-at-home mom, Connie enjoyed caring for the neighbour’s children and would trek to Willows Beach with 8-10 excited children (at least 5 of them were her own) with strollers, bikes and a picnic in tow. As a talented multi-tasker Connie would host boarders, bake, sew dresses, knit sweaters and crochet blankets for charity, family and friends.
At 37 years of age, when her last child was in school, Connie returned to work as a secretary at D.H. Whittome Real Estate Company and went on to get her realtor licence, practicing with Whittome, Montreal Trust, Byron Price and was proud to become the first manager of Sutton Group. She loved helping first time buyers the most, and would happily roll-up her sleeves and assist with scrubbing floors and open house staging prep. Her amazing, positive approach with people, productivity, work ethics and butter tarts greatly contributed to her success with everything she did.
She deeply loved her grandchildren and was proud of each of them for their own unique qualities. She cherished her one-on-one time with them when possible and enjoyed playing card games with them; especially Rummy! She would always make sure their favourite foods were on hand and she kept the cookie jars full with her homemade baking. She was a gentle, loving and very sweet Grandma.
As a mom, she encouraged her children to be individual thinkers; self reliant, how to cook, sew, paint & renovate houses. In her incredible 93 years, it was rare to see her in a bad mood, even with 7 kids and their many friends running around her house on a daily basis. She was always happy; “the more the merrier” was her motto. Her sense of humor and her ability to laugh at herself, and us, was her best recipe. Mom had a knack for making you feel as if you were the most important person in the room and treasured every child that came into her world. She loved her friends and took them under her wing when needed and was kind and loving to all. Mom appreciated a good laugh and would dance until her shoes wore out. She was simply a wonderful person and her beautiful spirit will live on in all of those who were fortunate to know her.
We love you, Mom! Randy (Jo-Jo), Rick (Joanne), Jackie, Jeannie (George), Russ (Lorraine) and always, Reg (Maggie) and Judy along with many friends over the years.
Connie & Earl’s love created 7 children, 10 amazing grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and even one great, great grandchild.
Connie was predeceased by her husband Earl in 2001, daughter Judy in 1973, her grandson Tim in 2012 and her son Reggie, Nov 30, 2021, just two weeks before her own death.
Special thanks to Naomi, for her gentle care and for facilitating hospital Zoom videos so we could all visit Mom in her last days! The family would also like to thank Jeannie D. and Johanna H. and Wendy M. for their life long friendship to Mom. Also,Todd, Tracy, Pam and Rob at Lake Cowichan for looking out for mom when she needed it and all her other many friends, extended family and acquaintances throughout her amazing life!
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Anna-Maria Laughlin
-
Tracey Henderson-Gibson We just learned of Connie’s passing today and we are deeply heartbroken and sad. We loved Connie and always will. We appreciated her stories, lessons, everything she shared, and for all the good times we had we are truly grateful. We really loved talking about Victoria. Connie was a proud mother and loved each and everyone of her family, and extended family, as we were.
I could go on and on but wanted to let the family know we just got the news. Thinking of you all,
Love Todd and Tracey
-
Johanna Hubacek Our Deepest condolences to all Reynold family.
You were a special gift to our world dear Connie, and a wonderful long time dear loyal friend. I will miss you like no other.
Your family will miss you dearly, as you were the best Mother I ever Knew. They will cherish the memories of you always.
May the memories of your special Mother bring comfort to each one of the family, during this sad and difficult loss.
With much love for all, and big hugs for each and everyone of you. Johanna and Jan Hubacek
-
Mike Wilson I grew up as a kid in the same neighbourhood as the Reynolds family. Was at the house several times playing with the slot cars with the boys. One day, there was an apple tree not far from their house, with a lot of fallen apples. Me and my buddy decided it would be fun to stick an apple on a picket and throw it down the road. Unfortunately, one of mine decided to go right through one of a Reynold’s bedroom window. I thought I could run fast enough so no one would see me, but there was Connie, in the broken window, yelling ” I see you Mike Wilson!” as I ran home and emptied my piggy bank on my bedroom floor. Dad had to go over and fix it. Years later, Connie was my real estate agent and helped me find the house I am still currently living in. Had a lot of fun times at the Reynold’s house and Connie will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
-
David McCall We remember your mom and your dad so well at the Uplands Golf Club. They were always so friendly and fun to be around. With fond memories, we send our condolences to all of the family, David and Debbie McCall
-
Sylvia Burke May your memories of your beautiful mother bring you comfort during this difficult time.
With love and sympathy, Sylvia Burke and family
Dear Randy, Rick, Jackie, Jeannie and Russ,
Oh…the memories our families share! Six of us and seven of you and our wild and wonderful parents. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was like my second Mother while growing up. I never saw her angry and she was so kind, wise and very funny. Her laugh and that twinkle in her eyes will stay with me forever. She seemed to be always singing or humming in the kitchen. Our parents had lots of fun together! She was my Mum’s best friend. I remember the great baking they did to sell at our corner store. Thankfully we managed to get the “Not so perfect” leftovers.
My family still lives in the house your Mum found for us. She called my Mum to tell her she had located a perfect “Bown” house. Bill and I had been married for almost a year and we were lucky to be the first to see it. It was perfect! 46 years of happiness, thanks to your Mum!
I am also sorry to hear about Reg. I didn’t know he passed away recently. I have a book he wrote that he gave my Mum for her 80th birthday (Algarve Life). Would any of the family like to have it?
Love and Hugs to all of you and your large family! Anna-Marie (Bown) Laughlin