Carole Winteler

Carole Lynn Winteler (neé Read) was Promoted to Glory on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in her 76th year.

Carole was born to Fred and Marjory Read on July 10, 1944. Along with her sister, Bronwyn, Carole spent the early part of her childhood in the Junction area of Toronto before the family moved to Etobicoke. Carole’s earliest memories were of time spent with family and friends on Symington Avenue, time at her aunt and uncle’s farm, and being marched to church by Auntie Dolly, at a very brisk pace, ready for Brownies or Sunday School – picking up others on the way there, and dropping them off again on the way home.

Carole met Bryan Winteler at a West Toronto youth group event. They were married on August 23, 1965, and were married for 33 years, before Bryan’s Promotion to Glory in 1999. Carole remained a devoted wife for the 19 years following Bryan’s admission to hospital in 1979. She did her best to ensure that her marriage and family life remained strong.

Carole’s life was invested in children. She loved her own children dearly, was thrilled to be a grandmother, she was an elementary school teacher, and she was involved in leadership of children’s programs at Mississauga Temple, holding the roles of Primary Sergeant for the Sunday School and Brown Owl. Carole encouraged her children in their Christian walk, and supported participation in areas of interest. She rejoiced in every accomplishment and prayed through difficulties. Carole was delighted with the arrival of her grandchildren. She relished every opportunity to spend time with them, hosting sleepovers, learning about baseball so that she understood the game when she watched her grandsons play, attending weekend baseball tournaments, dance recitals, dance competitions, playing chauffeur and chaperone when needed, and becoming involved in all that they did. They always knew that Nana was eager to hear their latest accomplishments, and to offer sympathy over bumps and bruises. She looked forward to every opportunity to brag about her grandchildren to anyone who would listen.

Family was important to Carole, but God came first in her life. Her faith was the centre of her life and informed all that she did. Carole had a quiet faith that she shared with those around her, and always had a watchful eye on the Christian walk of her children and grandchildren. She encouraged her children to be involved in the life of the church, and gladly ferried them back and forth to rehearsals, Bible studies, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. It was at church where she was able to use her musical gifts to best effect. She was pianist for the church and the choir, and played for services conducted at nursing homes. She was honoured each time she was asked to play at a wedding or funeral. She valued the gift God had given her and did her best to use it for His glory.

Carole learned well from her parents that family – both biological and chosen - and friends were treasures, and so she always valued time with both. She enjoyed sharing a cup of coffee, shopping, or just being available to talk and listen. It was important to her that she be available to all in a time of need.

A true educator, Carole embraced life-long learning. After a period as a teacher, she went back to school, taking courses in Early Childhood Education, in order to be able to open the day care centre at Mississauga Temple. Education was not limited to the classroom; Carole also took up cross-country skiing, and, in an effort to overcome a life-long aversion to deep water, she registered for swimming lessons.

Carole had always enjoyed opportunities to travel, and her love of exploring the world started early, with family trips to Florida. She was able to visit Italy with Bryan, and Bahamas with her sister. With Bryan and her children, she enjoyed trips to British Columbia, California, Great Britain and Hawaii to visit family. Following her retirement, Carole took advantage of every opportunity to broaden her world view. She was able to see the Arctic Ocean on a post-retirement trip, attended the Calgary Stampede, toured Egypt and Israel, cruised the Nile and witnessed the Passion Play in Oberammergau. She was always ready for a new adventure.

Carole was the devoted wife of the late Bryan Winteler, loving mother of children, Cheryl and Scott (Kerri-Jean), doting Nana Carole of grandchildren Matthew, David, Sarah, Hannah, Travis and Clayton. She will be missed by her sister, Bronwyn (Andy), and sisters-in-law Marjorie and Lillian, by nieces, nephews, chosen family, and friends.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the:

The Salvation Army Mississauga Community Church,
In Memory of Carole Winteler,
3173 Cawthra Rd.,
Mississauga, ON L5A 2X4.