MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East,
Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Carole Hutson, who passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on June 8th, 2026, in Cobourg, Ontario, at the age of 81. Her vibrant presence continues to shine through the many lives she touched.
Carole was the devoted wife of her beloved Michael (d. 2024), with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. She was a loving mother to Kendall and Rochelle, mother in law to Colin Robinson and Steve Hayr, and a cherished Bubba to Jack, Charlie, and Zoe. She was also a proud step grandmother to Jordan and Gemma Hayr.
Curious, bright, and determined, Carole was a woman who consistently put the needs of others before her own. She championed meaningful causes throughout her life—from advocating for fair pay for female teachers to protecting and nurturing the beautiful community she called home.
In her twenties, while working as a Primary School teacher, Carole was appointed salary negotiator for the East York Women Teachers’ Association, an early sign of her leadership and tenacity. She later became a long time member and board member of the Junior League of Toronto, serving in multiple roles. Her volunteer work was extensive: she held two board positions with the Junior League and became the first woman president of the York Mills Valley Association, where she fought tirelessly to preserve the idyllic, “country in the city” character of her beloved Hoggs Hollow neighbourhood. Her dedication was recognized when she received the Volunteer of the Year Award (1985–1986) from North York Mayor Mel Lastman.
Carole went on to work as an Executive Assistant for a Member of the Provincial Government before joining Michael in running their successful retail sports business. After retiring to Cobourg, they enjoyed the tranquility of their home, their beautiful garden, and the company of family and friends.
Above all, Carole’s greatest achievement was her family. She supported her children and grandchildren wholeheartedly, encouraging each of them to reach their full potential. A voracious reader, a generous friend, and a thoughtful neighbour, Carole’s genuine curiosity and enthusiasm made everyone she met feel valued. Her book club, her community, and her many close friendships were sources of great joy in her life.
Carole—our mother, our Bubba—was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed.
She lived a wonderful life, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength.
A Celebration of Life will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St. E., Cobourg, on Wednesday, July 8th, from 12:00–3:00 pm, with Words of Remembrance beginning at 12:30 pm. In honour of Carole’s vibrancy, the family invites attendees to wear colourful clothing. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream link will be available on the MacCoubrey Funeral Home website on the day of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northumberland Hospice Care Centre (Ed’s House) in Carole’s memory. Carole spent her final days at Ed’s House, where she and her daughters were supported with extraordinary compassion, dignity, and kindness. Her family is deeply grateful for the gentle care she received there.
I shall always remember Carole's wide smile whenever she saw you - mostly recently at a retirement party in late April when she was in fine spirits and expressing good natured humour about her aging "ailments". She always made you feel as though she was delighted to see you. She was an active member of Victoria Hall Volunteers and participated in social events with great enthusiasm. I had not known, but am not surprised to learn, of her award of a Volunteer of the Year Award from Mayor Mel Lastman. I have no doubt she well deserved it.