Sarah Round

Sarah Round (January 29, 1920 - February 16, 2017)

SARAH ROUND passed away at Humber River Regional Hospital on the morning of February 16th., 2017 at the age of 97.

Sarah is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Bruce Round (1993), and daughter, Shirley Marie Strazzanti (1994).

Sarah is lovingly remembered by her Son, Alan;
Grandchildren, Aaron (Izabella), Justin, and Derek;
Son-In-Law, Giuseppe Strazzanti;
Sister, Marjory West of Giffnock, Scotland;
& numerous nieces, nephews & other relatives.


Sarah was born on January 29th, 1920 in Nitshill, Scotland. The first of 6 girls to be born to Daniel & Marjory Carlin, she completed her formal education at age 14, having earned the requirements for senior school matriculation.

After leaving school, she spent several years working for a local biscuit baking company, while - on weekends - singing professionally with a dance-hall band.

The outbreak of World War II saw her switching occupations and becoming employed in industrial manufacturing. As part of the war effort, she worked at various locations throughout the U.K., and in 1940, found herself on a bus en route to Coventry on the night the city was destroyed. She spent the final two years of the war in Birmingham, eventually returning to the Glasgow area following the cessation of hostilities.

She enlisted as an orderly in The Women's Auxiliary Air Force in 1946, working in the Accounts section with the rank of A.C.W.2.

In 1948, she began a career in aircraft engine assembly at Rolls Royce's Glasgow factory (Hillington), eventually working her way up to a position in final inspection. It was noted of her that she "carried out her duties efficiently and well."

Immigrating to Canada alone in 1951, she settled in Toronto where she found employment in her chosen field: first, with York Gears Limited in York, and later, at de Havilland Aircraft of Canada in Downsview .

Sarah married Ronald on December 11th, 1954 at St. Chad's Anglican Church on Dufferin Street in Toronto. They would go on to raise two children.

Sarah was an adventurous, strong and fiercely independent woman who met and overcame great challenges. She triumphed against adversaries that might have destroyed a lesser soul: the lurking demon of mental illness; her failing physical health; and the cruelest act that fate can deliver - the death of a child.

Through periods of good health and bad, she remained a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an unwaveringly proud grandmother.

Sarah was a gifted storyteller. She loved to recount the reminiscences of her childhood years in Nitshill; her memories of life as a young woman during the war years in Great Britain; and the stories surrounding her early years in Canada.

She enjoyed all kinds of music, but she was particularly fond of the music of the '40s & early '50s. In her later years, she grew uncannily enthralled with the music of Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell. (Even received a post card from him!)

Sarah had a strong will, was known to act impulsively on occasion, and, at times, could be easily irritated. But at her core was a fragile, kind and compassionate heart, with a profound capacity for empathy. In spite of her experiences surviving poverty, war, illness, and personal tragedy, she had managed to retain no small part of the innocence of childhood.

Be it a wedding, a birthday, a holiday, a concert, or simply the coming of a single visitor, she eagerly awaited any occasion that might present the opportunity for frivolity and joy. She knew that life was meant to be enjoyed. She delightfully engaged in all manners of revelry, and took great comfort in the warmth she felt in the company of her extended family.

Sarah had a twinkle in her eye, an infectious laugh, a sense of humour oriented towards the ironic and absurd, and she was an irrepressible dancer.

In defiance of all adversity, she enjoyed a long, full and, ultimately, rewarding life.

May she rest in peace.