I feel so fortunate that I got to know Carole, I met her through my sister Marg. She was always smiling, always kind, always making people feel comfortable. Our friend groups spent Christmas time breaks together.
Carole with Tanya — honestly, the funniest double act without even trying. My favourite story, the one that still makes me laugh every time I think about it, is the day they managed to get lost in New York.
We’d all jumped on the subway, realised we were going the wrong way, and agreed to get off at the next stop. Straightforward enough. But Carole and Tanya had started chatting to a New Yorker after admiring her bag — completely wrapped up in a conversation about shopping.
The rest of us got off the train… and they didn’t. The doors closed, and suddenly all we could see were their panicked faces squashed up against the window as the train pulled away. It was one of those moments where you’re torn between laughter and worrying – we did laugh!
To make it even better, being almost 20 years ago none of our mobiles worked in the US, and neither of them had really taken in the address of the apartment we were staying in. We genuinely wondered how on earth we were going to find them again.
A little while later, they came running up the road — red-faced, out of breath, relieved and laughing —following advice of a local they sprinted about ten blocks between stations, praying they were heading in the right direction and we’d stayed put. It was chaotic, hilarious, and so very them.
That’s the Carole I’ll always remember: warm, funny without trying, and able to turn even the small disasters into stories we’d still be telling years later.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to Carole’s family and everyone who loved her. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind and in knowing how many lives she touched with her kindness and her gentle, caring spirit. Rest in Peace Carole, June Rawlinson x
June Rawlinson
23/01/2026
