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Caroline May Jeffries (Koval) passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at the Golden Plough Lodge, Cobourg, ON with two of her daughters by her side.
She is survived by her sister Jacqueline ‘Bunny’ Commisso, sister-in-law Rose Koval, children Carol (Peter) Briggs, Jackie (Lloyd) Davies, Kim (Daniel) Daigle, John L Jeffries, Joanne Grasso, and daughter-in-law Robin Jeffries. Caroline was the beloved Grandma to thirteen grandchildren (Jeff Briggs, Erin Sturzenegger, Jamie Briggs, Leigh Jeffries, Brett Jeffries, Hailey Davies, Deryn Davies, Drew Daigle, Joel Daigle, Cody Jeffries, Shannon Sawchuk, Jesse Grasso, Adam Grasso) and 10 great-grandchildren (Jack & Hunter Daigle, Landon & Lila Sturzenegger, Charlie Jo & Lily Jeffries, Henry & James Daigle, Dawson & Kyson Sawchuk).
Caroline was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, John D Jeffries, her parents Rose (Haverluck) and Konrad Koval, brothers Donny, Alex and Bill Koval, son James (Jim) Jeffries, son-in-law Cosmo Grasso and daughter-in-law Tracy Jeffries.
Born in 1932, in Savant Lake, ON the family later moved to Pickle Lake, ON where Caroline’s parents purchased the Pickle Lake Hotel and Dance Hall. Following school in Central Patricia she completed a business diploma in Winnipeg. Caroline and John met in Pickle Lake in 1950 while working at Pickle Crow Gold Mine. They were married in 1953 and settled in Cochenour, ON in 1955 after John completed his degree as a Mining Engineer.
During their 70 years of marriage, Caroline supported John’s mining career, living 30 years in Cochenour, 12 years in Hibbing, Minnesota and then returning back to the Red Lake district for retirement, with their final years spent with family in Cobourg. They developed some enduring friendships along the way.
Caroline will be remembered for being a kind and gentle spirit. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, and an accomplished homemaker, devoting her life to her children and family. A visit from her great-grandchildren would always light up her face. Her hands were always busy cooking, knitting, sewing/quilting, gardening and taking photos. She enjoyed nature and loved watching and feeding the birds, and went about her days always with a smile, giving, loving, laughing and often stopping to knit for a while.
While living in Cochenour, Caroline was a member of Gyro and active in St Francis Xavier parish (Catholic Women’s League). She enjoyed curling, as well as a little bit of cross-country skiing and tennis.
Caroline’s family wishes to thank the many dedicated care providers from Roseglen Village, Flourish at Home, Palisade Gardens Memory Care Unit and the Golden Plough Lodge who provided compassionate support and care to mom in her final years. Details for a celebration of life in Red Lake, Ontario will be announced at a later date. In Caroline’s memory, donations may be made to the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital Foundation if desired.
There are special people in our lives
Who never leave us…
Even after they are gone.
D. Morgan
Carol and Peter, Kim and Dan and your families, we were sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mom. You were so very good to her and we hope that you can remember all of the good times you had as a family. Memories are so precious. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Dear Kim, Dan and your family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of our walks and baking treats with your Mother. It was a pleasure to get to know her. I will treasure these memories.
Sending our sincere condolences Carol, Peter & family in the loss of a dear mother & grandmother. Eric & Carol Buttar
My deepest condolences to the Jeffries family and all those near and dear. RIP Auntie Caroline.
Dear Kim and Dan and all the family, We are so sorry to read of the loss of your mother. We send our sincere condolences for this loss of someone so important in your lives. We wish you well at this time.
Kim, Dan and family, Thinking of you… Dan and I miss your parents’ friendly wave while they were happily getting some exercise, going for a walk past our house on Burnham. Memories will remain in your heart forever 🌸💜🌷 Susan & Dan
Such a beautiful picture of auntie Caroline. Her kind and gentle spirit live on in all of you , my cousins. Much love 💕
My condolences to all of you. Thank you for the privilege of caring for such a lovely lady. My evenings playing Snakes and Ladders with her will truly always be cherished.
To Carol Kim and families. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I had the pleasure of looking after her when she was at Palisade Gardens. She was a kind and sweet person. Again my condolences to everyone. RIP Caroline.