Carol Lee Leifso

Carol Lee Leifso, aged 76 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Thursday, October 11th, 2018.  Born in Tuxford, SK, Carol lived a colourful life, living in Parkbeg, Calgary, Mortlach and Crane Valley before ultimately settling in Moose Jaw.  A survivor of cancer and the trials of life, Carol was a farmwife, mother, cook, bartender, administrative assistant, and a care aide at Chateau St Michael.  Carol married the love of her life, Dale, in 1977. Together they ran a farm, travelled throughout the US, volunteered with the Kinsmen and Kinettes, and enjoyed life with an enormous collection of friends and family who cherished their time with them.  As dementia began to rob Dale of his memories, Carol took on the role of devoted, loving, and protective caregiver. After the family made the decision to move Dale into Providence Place, Carol became a regular fixture in the Guardian Grove unit, visiting frequently not only with Dale but the staff and other residents.  

Carol had enthusiasm for life’s little joys.  She loved a well-written greeting card, classic movies, a meal at Red Lobster, a mysterious romance novel, and cozy pajamas.  Music was a staple in her home, including Christmas songs (accompanied by many, many decorations), Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline and Neil Diamond and, when family visited, loud sing-songs that always included “Tiny Bubbles”.  Most of all, Carol loved sitting outside in the sun with Dale as they admired the brilliant explosions of petunias that she somehow made appear in any sort of pot, a peaceful scene only occasionally interrupted when she’d light firecrackers to scare away crows and the guests that she’d unfailingly forget to warn.  Carol made friends with everybody she met and would report back to her kids at the end of her day about conversations she’d had with people who she’d always insist “were just the nicest person”. Predeceased by her parents, Archie and Minnie; and siblings: Ken, Irene, Harold, Beatrice, and Mel; Carol leaves behind three heartbroken children who already miss her and will love her until their last days: daughters, Glenda (Grant) of Kelowna and LeAnne of Moose Jaw, both of whom Carol raised with her first husband Bob Drake; and son, Justin (Rhiannon) of Edmonton.  A great-grandson, Chaz, recently joined the family that already included grandchildren: Bobbi (Blair), Alyssa, Koby, Kyle, and Taylor.  Her love for her children and grandchildren was matched perhaps only by her love of their pets, who she adored as much as her own and spoiled shamelessly.  Dale survives his wife and best friend, and his kids promise to look after him until they can meet again.  Honouring Carol’s explicit and colourful instructions, the family will not be having a service at this time.  Instead, we will wait until the cold retreats and have a small celebration of Carol’s life and spirit in the summer, where she can be amongst the trees and flowers in the sun.  To remember and honour her, we ask that you appreciate the small joys in life and think of her when you hear Sweet Caroline. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Association of Saskatchewan, 301 – 2550 – 12th Ave, Regina, SK S4P 3X1.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550