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Obituary of Carol Ann Kruse (Avery)
Carol Ann Kruse (Nee Avery)
December 31, 1946 - January 1, 2025
On New Year’s Day our Mom was made new in Jesus. Carol graced this world for 78 years, and in those years, she exemplified resilience, love, and generosity. Born in Toronto, she embarked on a journey in 1970 as a single mother, courageously boarding a train with four young children in search of a better life for all. Her journey led her to Calgary where she met Jerry, the love of her life. What began as a simple landlord-tenant relationship blossomed into a friendship and partnership that spanned 54 years, six children, and countless memories filled with laughter and love.
Together, they built a life on a farm filled with the sounds of laughter, the clucking of chickens, and the mooing of cows. Carol was a true cowgirl at heart, raising her children amidst the warmth of animals and the beauty of nature. Jerry gifted her Clematis, her first horse. Her farm was a sanctuary for many creatures, from dogs and cats, rabbits, horses and geese to a baby coyote she took in. However, the goats, with their mischievous antics, tested her patience by munching on the seats of her convertible and her cigarettes.
Carol was the embodiment of strength, love, loyalty and generosity. She had an infectious smile and a kind heart, traits that endeared her to everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path. Her kitchen table was never without a guest, for she believed that no one should ever feel alone or hungry, especially on a holiday. This openness and warmth are lessons she instilled in her children and grandchildren, ensuring her legacy of kindness lives on.
Her sense of adventure was matched by her humour, she never had a problem speaking her mind. Carol loved nothing more than hopping on the back of Jerry's motorbike, taking off for days on spontaneous trips, or hopping onto her beloved horses for a ride. She was known in her later years for racing through Hanna on her scooter, engaging in friendly drag races to Tim Hortons with her friends. She loved her music in the park on Sunday nights and catching up with friends. Her laughter was a melody that brightened our lives, and her phone calls were legendary for their length and warmth.
Carol's greatest achievements were not only her children, but also her grandchildren, with whom she shared a special, unbreakable bond. Her love extended beyond her family to her community, where she volunteered and made a difference in the lives of many.
Carol’s four cherished pups—Jedediah, Zahara, Marc, and Zebedee—surely greeted her waiting with wagging tails and loving snuggles.
Though our hearts ache with her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Jerry and her brother Bob. She leaves behind her children, Ken, (Susan) Stella, (Steve) Jeff, (Sissy) Roberta, (Chad) James,(Tamara) and Duke, (Krista) along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and great lifelong friends.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at the Hanna hospital—Bonnie, Melissa, Dante, James, Joshua, and Robert—who cared for her with the tenderness of family. Your compassion was a blessing to us all, and we are forever grateful. The Hanna Ladies Auxiliary provided us with a space filled with love, allowing us to share precious moments with her in her final days.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart." Carol's love was felt deeply by all who knew her, and her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
In her final days she was asked by her kids whose turkey stuffing was her favourite? Carol raised her eyebrow and laser focused to prove to her other children that Roberta’s stuffing was her favourite. Mom’s stuffing is legendary. We all take pride her kids, grandkids and great grandkids know how to make it now. Passed down with love to be shared by many more generations.
She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered always.
Interment will take place at a later date.
If desired, donations in Carol's memory can be made directly to the Hanna Ladies Auxiliary (Palliative Care Room), Box 23, Hanna, AB, T0J 1P0.
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