March 22, 1940 – August 4, 2025
With quiet strength and grace, Carol Elizabeth Sims (née Craig) passed away at the Red Deer Hospice, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and treasured relationships. Born in Edmonton to Bessie and Herb Craig, Carol grew up in the Highlands neighbourhood, where she excelled in school and embraced the warmth of a close-knit community. She spent cherished childhood summers with her parents and sisters at Seba Beach, enjoying the company of extended family. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta in 1962, where she also formed lifelong friendships. Carol devoted her career to caring for others—first as a Public Health Nurse with the Big Country Health Unit, then in community health and home care management with Capital Health in Edmonton, and later as Manager of the St. Albert Help Society.
Carol shared her life with her beloved husband, Roger. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage next week. Their relationship was a true partnership, built on respect, deep connection, and unwavering support for one another through all of life’s seasons. Together they built a full and gratifying life grounded in hard work, raising their family, serving their community, travelling widely, and celebrating life’s special moments.
She is survived by her children Craig (Marianne) Sims, Barbara (Scott) McKee, and Leland (Karen) Sims; grandchildren Madison and Coleman McKee, Marina and Jack Sims (and their mom Christine Whalen), Lauryn, Audrey, and Grace Sims; sister Phyllis Craig; sister-in-law Jeryl (Darryl) Auten; nieces Catherine Auten (Dhane Merriman), Lee (Gary) Giroux, Lincoln Baptiste, and Elizabeth (Garfield) Harding; as well as extended family and many friends. She was predeceased by her husband Roger, parents Bessie and Herb Craig, sister Jean and brother-in-law Jack Baptiste, and nephew Jamie Auten.
Carol’s life was defined by generosity, hospitality, and a gift for making others feel valued. Whether she was on the farm in Veteran, AB, at Lancaster Crescent in St. Albert, summering at Silver Sands, snow birding in El Centro, CA or revelling in retirement at Pine Ridge, she was always lending a hand, showing genuine interest in others, and staying connected with friends and family near and far. An accomplished gardener, seamstress, painter, and cook, she brought thoughtfulness, creativity, and care to everything she touched. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and planned countless gatherings, gifts and adventures, creating lasting memories for her loved ones.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, on Friday, August 15 at 2 p.m., where family and friends will gather to honour her memory and share stories of love and laughter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Albert Food Bank or Red Deer Hospice in Carol’s honour. Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements, including a live stream of the celebration of life for those unable to attend in person. www.connelly-mckinley.com
