Obituary of Carol DIXON

Carol Dixon (Kennedy Valenti) Born -January 24, 1936 - Richmond, London, England Died - July 23, 2020 - Collingwood, Ontario, Canada Carol's life ended peacefully at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital on Thursday, July 23rd. Carol's life was a balance between home and the classroom, with regular travels with her late husband Nick thrown in for fun and adventure. Carol was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She raised children, step children and foster children and was happy to blur the distinctions with her connecting love. She was determined to put children first in her life, a supportive, dependable listener and carer. She was anti-racist and a determined feminist and her advocacy and action for children always reflected that. Carol, a girl in wartime England, had her dedication to children's rights forged in her youth. Those early days were tough ones, a life limited by fighter planes and bombing nights was further complicated by a turbulent family split. She always wanted to right wrongs, knowing first hand that childhood was not always carefree and casual. Carol came to Canada as a teenager, joining her mother, Joyce Edyvean, her beloved stepfather Jack Edyvean, and her brother John. Her teaching career was throughout western North York, beginning and ending her teaching days at Sheppard Avenue West P.S. The largest portion of her teaching years were at Daystrom P.S. She cherished the many moments she had with students, colleagues, parents and community members. Always teaching elementary grades, it would not be surprising to have this obituary read by someone taught to read by Mrs.Valenti/Mrs.Kennedy/Mrs.Dixon. She was an avid reader, a Blue Jays fan, a traveller and beyond her great love for her Canadian family, a lover of her extended Dixon family back in England. Family travels between Canada and England were many and varied, but all inspired by her. It was truly her life long love for her father, Dickie Dixon, that made English family so important to her, for they were all descendants of his. Knowing Carol was to know an unforgettable character, unique in many ways. Those wishing to honour Carol would be best to tend a garden, care for a child and feed a puppy or kitten. Her gardens were riots of glory and her dogs and cats were true friends. Donations to the Toronto Humane Society will be appreciated. A special mention to staff and friends at Sunset Manor in Collingwood and prior to that, Balmoral in Collingwood. She delighted in the friendships made and the opportunities given. Carol has been cremated and a private family service was held at graveside at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Etobicoke, Ontario. Her ashes lie next to those of her husband Nick, with the grave of her first husband Jim Kennedy, close by. Carol leaves behind...... Siblings; John (Marina), Christopher (Jan), Julia (Paul), Beatrice, (predeceased by Keir, Coli, David). Children; Rick (Donna), Mark (Hindy), Anna (Mike), Jan, Anthony (Candy), Suzee (Allen), Michael (Kelly), Peter, Cam, Gatsby (Dawn), Jenny (Darren), Wayne. Grandchildren; Tyler (Lisa), Alyssa (Zachary), Jonathan (Ange), Ashley (Ryan), Jessica (Kirk), Nikki (Jeff), Dylan (Arden), Tess (Sam), Toni, Vance, Hannah, Aadam, Christian, Celeste. Great Grandchildren; Karson, Kolter, Kylyn, Kodyn, Zeya, Karlyng, Deva, Kaysyn, Holder, Isla, Felix, Kyllian. *Special farewell to the beloved host of Dixon relatives spread across the UK and Spain.