CREERY, Carolyn Christine

Carolyn Christine Creery passed away in Ottawa on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, just shy of her 92^nd birthday, with her family at her side.  

Born in Granville Centre, Nova Scotia in 1931 to Florence (née Karnes) and Gilbert Willett, Carolyn left her Annapolis Valley home at 16 to study journalism at Carleton College (later University) in Ottawa. By the late 1950s she was a Canadian Press reporter with the National Press Gallery in Ottawa. She married fellow journalist Tim Creery, whom she accompanied to Québec City, Washington, Paris, Montréal and back to Ottawa.

Carolyn will be remembered as a gentle soul and a fierce fighter.  She was feisty, smart and funny. Possessed of a beautiful singing voice, in her later years she was prone to suddenly burst into song.

Carolyn was predeceased by her father (1941, on active service in WW II), her mother (1999), and her husband Tim (2017). She leaves her sisters Doreen (Dodie) Daniels Shaffner and Elaine Iles as well as daughters Janet and Monica (Egya Sangmuah) and grandsons Ben, Liam, and Aggrey.

We wish to thank the staff of the Garry Armstrong residence and devoted caregiver Yvonne Emmett for their outstanding kindness and care over several years. 

A memorial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday November 4 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa at 400 McArthur Avenue.

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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6 messages received

the family

No matter the circumstance, death manages to surprise. Although Carolyn has had a quiet profile since moving into the Garry J Armstrong, she has left a lasting impression in our UUFO community. Having seen her home, I can tell she had a rich, artistic life. Small and feisty, Carolyn Creery will be remembered for her wit, and for how many sweets she could eat at coffee hour. It was kind of Janet to bring her to us so often on Sundays. I wish I had heard her sing.

allison calvern, September 14, 2023

Monica Creery and family

Monica - I went to Queen's with our mutual friend Rosemary Chambers and she told me about your mom's death.

My mom and your mom were friends in Ottawa during their child raising years. I spoke with mom today to let her know and we reminisced a bit together. She remembers your mom fondly. And I remember her as a strong bright occasional presence in our home. Makes me reflect on life for our moms at that time. They were both educated bright women who had professional careers before they married and had children.

My condolences to you and your family. Your mom is released from this life, which I understand was challenging in her later years. Bless her travelling soul. And bless you and all who are left to mourn and remember.

Kate Irving
Victoria, BC

Kate Irving , September 15, 2023

Carolyn's family

I am so sorry for your loss, and so glad that you are there for one other.
Stephanie M.

Stephanie Mehta, September 25, 2023

Janet et famille,

I might have only met your mom that one time: at the Christmas concert: 4 moms and 4 daughters. Your mom struck me as very kind and joyful. I'm lucky that I had a chance to meet her and that she had you: a wonderful daughter (and others in your family)!

Sue xo

Susan Sproule, October 14, 2023

Monica Creery and family

So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She was an accomplished woman, a trailblazer. I remember meeting her many years ago and was struck by her warmth and kindness. I’m sure you’ll all miss her tremendously. Thinking of you today.

Scott Steele , November 4, 2023

Monica, Janet and family

The King family all loved your mum - and your dad - and we shared many a visit with the Creery family in Montreal, Ottawa and Paris, enjoying stimulating conversation and memories galore. I remember babysitting with the two of you as young kids, and our parents remained very close - as those in the newspaper fraternity often do - being both colleagues and personal friends.

As an adult I became even closer to Carolyn, who was the kindest of people, and she often acted as my artistic muse. Her knowledge, her spark, her bubbly personality - yet dry wit, were all deeply inspiring as they offered up such joyful diversity. I always felt comfortable in your parents' colourful and eclectic home, especially when I touched the sculpture of the carved stone tortoise on your coffee table. I'm sure that it shared a part of Carolyn's soul.

Much love to you all, and much sorrow for Carolyn's passing.

Terry King, November 5, 2023