Caroline A. Dow

Caroline Anne Dow, (born Kelly) born March 25, 1941, died February 4, 2023. She is survived by two proud sons, Paul (wife Kelly, children Taylor and Denver) and Blaine (wife Emma, children Melissa (married to Dennis, with children Naphtal, Elijah, Andre), Jack and Kincaid.) She will be met on the other side by the love of her life, Ronald, eldest son, Craig, brothers Dave, Bill, Terry, and sister Patricia, and her parents Jack and Rowena.

Caroline was born in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, as those who knew her will recall….definitely one of the proudest to come from the Rock. As the youngest child she developed a strong yet loving personality in her youth. After high school, Caroline took her mother under her wing and kept her tight for the rest of Rowena’s life. Their first adventure was New Jersey where Caroline studied hair dressing and began her professional career. Upon return to Newfoundland, thanks to the reckless behavior of her siblings, a Mountie came knocking on the door…she met her life long partner, Ron. They married and Craig and Paul came into the world before moving to Ottawa. Caroline brought her nephew Brent along, raising him as their own. Blaine was born a few years afterward. Try as they might, they were destined to raise boys.

In 1979, after Ron retired from the RCMP, the family moved to Ron’s hometown of Hartland where they lived their remaining days. Caroline set up the Chic Shoppe and her appointment book stayed full for the next 25+ years. Hairdressing was her passion, mainly because of the people. She adored getting to know the women, men and children of Carleton County. Anyone who sat in her chair was part of her family.

Caroline’s commitment to her profession was only matched by her commitment to her faith. She was an active member of the St. John the Baptist Parish Catholic Church. She championed fund raising every year, for each season. She participated in global outreach through Development in Peace. She even raised a few altar boys and encouraged Ron to become baptized into the faith!

Ron and Caroline built the house of their dreams in 1981. It became "Home" quickly after. Above all things, Caroline’s home was her most special place. Her boys had constant visitors. Family and friends from far away places constantly passed through. She finally got a girl under the roof when her niece Lorna came to live and work with her. Foreign exchange students came to experience a brand new world, their graduation photos still mounted alongside her sons. Countless lost animals would show up at her doorstep and find their forever home, as though they knew. Grandchildren eventually arrived. Melissa then Kincaid, Taylor, and Denver. Custom sewn outfits for any occasion, dress-up and tea parties, hot tubbing under star-lit nights. She loved living in their world! She was so proud. The beautiful view and Ron’s constant gardening were only surpassed by the Love inside the walls of their home, Stoney Croft.

She will be missed by far too many. Forever a guardian angel at their side.

A memorial service for Caroline will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Britton Funeral Home, 2 High Street Hartland at 11:00 a.m. with Father Martin Arputham officiating. The interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Rockland at a later date. 506-375-4343. www.brittonfh.ca