V. Caroline Hanley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Hanley (née Whiteley) in her 80th year, after a brief but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Virginia Caroline Hanley was born in Fort William (Thunder Bay) Ontario, the eldest daughter of Thompson and Virginia (née Gundy) Whiteley. Carol honed her love of learning and sense of adventure and high jinks at Wapomeo Summer Camp, and as a boarder at Branksome Hall and Neuchatel Junior College in Switzerland.  Carol married her first love, Jim Hanley, in 1959. Together they raised three children, moving from Thunder Bay to Toronto in the mid 1960’s. Carol channelled her considerable creative energies into becoming a homemaker, consummate entertainer and master baker, and spearheaded many family travels and adventures along the way.

After 22 years of marriage, Carol and Jim divorced and Carol, with grit and purpose, embarked upon a new chapter as a career woman. She was an award-winning media sales executive before fulfilling her dream of becoming a successful television producer. She was most proud of her work helming the popular TV series, The Time of Your Life, hosted by veteran broadcaster, Jan Tennant, which aired around the world, Double Duty, Living with Grief and the long-running hit children's show, Kidsworld. 

Carol approached her retirement with the same unstinting vigor as she did her family and career. She moved from Toronto to the Cobourg area, where she volunteered widely, and was a recipient of the Cobourg Civic Award for Community Service in 2006. As volunteer President of Valley Voices, Carol worked tirelessly to preserve the pristine countryside of her beloved Shelter Valley. She loved the companionship of her wonderful dogs, and immersed herself in nature in all four seasons.
On a trip around Cape Horn, Carol met her second love and future husband, Harry Taylor. They spent 10 fabulous years together travelling the world, gardening, swimming and enjoying the company of their families and large circle of friends in Mexico and Cobourg.

Carol is predeceased by her husband, Harry Taylor,  her sister Anne (Glenn) Burns, brother-in-law Murray Wiltse and, tragically, her 18 year-old grandson Lucas Martin. Carol leaves her loving family, sister Joyce Wiltse, brothers Gordon (Julie) and John (Jan) Whiteley, her children Kate (Peter), Tom and Susan (Craig) Hanley and beloved grandchildren, Jackson Martin and Ellery Aziz. She will be sadly missed by her loving cousins, nieces, nephews and their families, as well as Jim Hanley and her many cherished friends in Canada, Mexico and abroad.

Carol created a life overflowing with adventure and joy, touching everyone around her.  Her shining spirit and sense of humour could light up the room, even in her final days. While she will be sorely missed, we believe that her courage and relentless energy will live on forever.

Special thanks to Michelle Tongnawa and the PSW team at Mavencare for their compassionate care during Carol's final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, Carol has requested contributions in remembrance of her grandson, Lucas Martin, to the Sarcoma Medical Oncology Research Fund, thepmcf.ca.

A celebration of Carol’s life will take place at The Cobourg Creek Golf Course and Mill Restaurant, 990 Ontario Street, Cobourg, at 2 pm on Tuesday, June 12. For further details please consult the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, www.MacCoubrey.com.