Obituary of Carola Geraldine Egilsson

EGILSSON, Carola Geraldine ‘Lola’ Pictou It is with deepest sorrow that we, her children, announce the passing of our beloved matriarch on November 24, 2024. Born in Petit de Grat, Richmond County on April 20, 1936, she was the daughter of Henry and Violet (Britten) Boudreau. After graduating High School, Lola attended the Canadian Vocational Training School in Halifax where she obtained her Diploma in Stenography. Mom began her career in the office of Booth Fisheries in Petit de Grat. When her youngest child started school, she went back to work in a variety of roles. She spent many years as a legal secretary and then as a steno for the Housing Commission and the Sheriff’s Office. Mom also clerked at Gaudet’s and Scanlan’s grocery stores and Eaton’s in Pictou. Together with Dad, she was a member of the Pictou Lions/Lionettes Club and the New Caledonia Curling Club. Mom enjoyed sewing, knitting, crochet and crafting. She was an excellent seamstress. Mom enjoyed a good game of cards with her sister Eula, Bingo at the Legion, and her visits to Moncton. Mom was an avid follower of the Blue Jays, Raptors and the Maple Leafs. It wasn’t unusual to find mom following two or three games at the same time – all while working on a word puzzle or a knitting project. Her hands were rarely idle. If you showed up at the house near noon or 5:00 p.m., she would welcome you for a meal and ‘throw another potato in the pot’. She loved the 25+ winters spent in Zephyrhills, Florida – especially the weekly dinner/dances at the social club with Dad as her dance partner. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, she relished in their varied accomplishments and time spent with them was so precious to her. Mom was quick to offer sage advice, solicited or not…and usually she was right! Survived by 5 children, Greg (Brenda), Julie (Blair Battist), Mary Lou (Allan Samson), Michael ‘Chuck’, and Daphne (Scott Leonard); 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Also survived by sisters, Pauline (Phil) Benoit, Eula Samson; sister-in-law, Lucille Boudreau, all of Petit de Grat; nieces and nephews, too numerous to name. Predeceased by loving husband, Olafur ‘Oli’ Egilsson; infant son, Michael Joseph; brother, Carl Boudreau and brother-in-law, Bernard ‘Bernie’ Samson. Angels do exist in our health care system! Your dedication and excellent care made our mothers journey so much easier! Thank you to her oncologist Dr. Peiran Sun (Halifax) and staff at the Dickson Building, the VON, Continuing Care, the staff of the Aberdeen Hospital and the Pictou County Palliative Care Society. Cremation has taken place, burial will be in Star of the Sea Cemetery, Petit de Grat at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society or a charity of choice.