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.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Kendall and Rochelle and families we are still reeling at the news we have lost our dear friend. At the celebration today you asked for stories. While I have several this was my favourite. Carole called and asked to go to the movies (which we did often) this was several years ago when the park theatre opened showing movies for a short time. We went to see salmon fishing in Yeman and after we had an ice cream next door. We chatted and when we decided to head home I fell face down on the sidewalk. I asked Carole to call my husband which she did and between them they decided it was the hospital for me. While waiting for Tony she ran to the ice cream store to get ice for the egg that was developing on my forehead but all they could give her was a bag of frozen strawberries. Little did Carole know I really dislike strawberries afterwards when I told her we had a good laugh. Anyway off to the hospital and the emerg and I went into shock. Carole took charge and felt I needed a blanket and since they couldn’t get one from the hospital Tony agreed and said he had one in the car. He came back with our dogs blanket. This didn’t fase Carole but as I was fading in and out all I could hear was Carole directing Tony to put the paw prints on the inside so no one would know they were covering me with the dogs blanket. We laughed afterwards it was so typical of her caring that I would not be embarrassed. It reminded me when Nancy referred to moving the chairs in the sunroom Carole always cared enough about her friends to make things better for them if she could. We have made a donation to Ed’s house. We will remember our friend with love. Sincerely Tony and Carol
My dearest Rochelle, So saddened to hear of your loss of your wonderful mom. Sending our most heartfelt condolences and love throughout these most difficult days. She lives on in spirit in you every day- much love, kj
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dearest Kendall, Rochelle & Family, That was an absolutely beautiful celebration of life for your Mom. Thank you for sharing the live stream for those who were not able to attend in person. What loving and kind words spoken by family & friends. She was such an amazing mother, wife, sister and friend to all. She will truly be missed, but will never forgotten. Lots of love to you all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Rochelle, Kendall and family My heart goes out to you on the passing of your beautiful mother Carole. Carole was a truly special person. I feel privileged to have known her and to have shared special times together both in her home and in mine in Australia. Those moments are memories I will always treasure. Her passion for life, her colourful spirit, her kindness and the strong family values including supporting others dreams come true with deep love is such a remarkable legacy. Carole will be truly missed but her light and loving spirit will live on. Sending love AC
I am so sorry to hear of Carole's passing. My brother had been in contact with Greg and Greg passed on Carole's email so that I could contact her. But I didn't get a chance to say hi to her-as the time seemed to slip away. I remember the family get togethers at her Mom and Dad's house and the laughter that was always there. I hope Kendall and Rochelle and families will remember all the wonderful times they spent with their mother and know how many people loved her. Carole you are free from pain now and are with Michael. Love Linda.
Our most sincere heartfelt condolences. Carole was a lovely person and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky to have known her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Victoria Hall Volunteers
Sincere condolences to the Hutson Family on the loss of your dear mother. Lauren and Bruce Maclean
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Rochelle, Our deepest sympathies to you, Kendall and your families on the loss of your beloved mother, Carole. She was always so warm and welcoming and genuinely caring about others. She leaves a beautiful legacy in how well she loved all of you. May your memories of her comfort you in the days ahead. Love, Krista, Erik and Liia
Kendall & Rochelle and Family. My Deepest Condolences to you all. I had the pleasure of doing Carole's nails for many years pre covid. She was always happy to hear stories of my family, but mostly excited to share stories of her wonderful Family, and a good book she might have just read. Red is the color I will smile at and think of your mom She will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed to have known such a lovely woman. Xo
Oh how I miss the biweekly phone calls these past months. You have always been a very vibrant caring cousin along with your ever loving husband Michael. My condolences to Rochelle and Kendal families. Brian sends his condolences too.
Sending the family a big squeeze as this is a terrible loss - Carole will be missed by all - always a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye!
So very sorry for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Memories with Carole were so wonderful. She had the smile that was so warm and welcoming. Our deepest sympathy Kendal, Rochelle and the whole family. Fiona
Dear Kendall, Colin, Jack , Charlie Rochelle and family. What a beautiful tribute to your mom’. So much I didn’t know. I only met Carole once or twice, but she was joyful, inquisitive and delightful company to be around. She was so well-loved by her daughters ( you both) and family and she’ll continue to shine and live on through you all. With my condolences 💐 Sue
I was fortunate to meet Carole and on each occasion she was so warm and welcoming. My deepest condolences to Rochelle , Kendall and all her family . Take solace in your beautiful memories xx
I’m heartbroken to see one f my very favourite people has moved on. She blessed us with her presence, grace, kindness and gifts. May she find pans comfort with her true love. May her family and friends find comfort in her memories.
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.