Carol Frances Barclay of Walkerton passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton, in her 89th year. Beloved mother of Leasa Barclay (Paul Charette), Andrea Barclay (Richard Osborne), and daughter-in-law Maureen Barclay. Carol was the proud grandma of Katie (Jason), Scott (Kirsten), Jake (Becky), Max (Marissa), John (Naz), Michael, Anne Marie (Aaron), Laura (Kyle), Alex (Sydney), Ashley (Dave), Matthew (Alexa), Bryce, Brooke, and “Grandma Carol” of Ava, Hunter, Simon, Lucas, Connor, Hope, Olson, Davie, George, Arthur, Jack, Madi, Mia, Maddox, Percy, and Marigold. She will be remembered by her brother-in-law Don (Shirley) Barclay of British Columbia, sisters-in-law Isobel Glennie of Fergus, Nora Oliver of Guelph, and many nieces and nephews. 

Predeceased by her son David, husband Jack, and parents Frank and Marie (nee Sauer) Fruin. 

Carol was born in Toronto during the Depression, the cherished only child of Frank and Marie Fruin.  The family soon moved to Walkerton and this is where she spent the rest of her life.  

She attended Sacred Heart elementary and secondary school.  In her teen years, she worked at Walker’s Dairy and eventually started working in the office at Ontario Hydro where she met her husband, Jack Barclay.  They were married on August 20, 1960.  They built a home on George Street across from her parents’ home, where she lived for almost 60 years.  In 1962, Jack and Carol welcomed their first child, David.  He was followed by Leasa in 1964 and Andrea in 1967.

Carol was a very active participant in Walkerton life.  She helped establish the Block Parent program, served on the police commission and worked energetically for the Liberal Party.  She and Jack served in the Lion’s club and she was instrumental in saving the hospital in Walkerton.  

Perhaps the greatest light in Carol’s life was her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was a fixture at her grandchildren’s hockey, soccer and baseball games as well as piano recitals, Christmas concerts and birthday parties.  She adored her great grandchildren and whenever you talked to her, she never stopped raving about them. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost one of their biggest fans and figure skating will never see a more ardent admirer.  Every Friday, she could be found shopping downtown Walkerton and having dinner at a local restaurant where she greeted everyone with enthusiasm.

She looked forward to seeing the birds, no matter the season, and loved all animals, especially cats, dogs and above all, horses.    The phone lines will be much less busy, and the demise of greeting cards will be much hastened with her passing.

Carol had steadfast faith that she would be welcomed into the arms of her loved ones that passed before her. She is now reunited with her husband and son and it is for sure that there is a cat purring on her lap and a dog at her side.

Friends and relatives are invited to visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Cameron’s in Walkerton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church, Walkerton. Fr. Leszek Szczygiel officiating. Reception to follow.

Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Walkerton.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Walkerton & District Food Bank or St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre, Kitchener, would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com