Obituary of Carolyn Lee Henritze Tremblay

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Carolyn Lee Henritze Tremblay, who passed away peacefully at home in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 28, 2026, at the age of 84.

Carolyn was born on October 12, 1941, in Roanoke, Virginia, the sixth of seven children born to Charles Ray and Bernice Cecil Mustard Henritze. She carried her southern roots with her throughout her life. A true southern belle, she was known for her noticeable accent, her love of pink and Chantilly lace, and a presence that was entirely her own.

Carolyn lived a life full of adventure and independence, never afraid to pick up and start over somewhere new. Her journey took her from Roanoke to Philadelphia, Florida, and eventually Canada, where she settled in the Ottawa area, with many winters spent enjoying time in Florida. Wherever she went, she built meaningful connections and left a lasting impression.

She found joy in the simple and meaningful moments, playing the accordion, crafting and sewing, and spending time with her beloved dogs. She created lasting memories biking all the way from Ottawa’s west end to Gatineau Park with her son, taking her daughter horseback riding, tutoring her grandson Jordan, and teaching her grandson Daniel to ice skate and sew his own clothes. In her younger years, she also enjoyed Saturday nights filled with music and dancing.

Carolyn had a remarkable gift with words. Whether through poetry or personal writing, she expressed her thoughts and emotions in a way that was thoughtful, honest, and deeply personal. Her writings have become treasured keepsakes for her family, continuing to offer comfort, strength, and connection.

Above all, Carolyn was devoted to her family. She formed a unique bond with each of her children and grandchildren, teaching them how to live fully, love deeply, and always stay true to themselves. She led by example, living life on her own terms and loving those around her in a steady and genuine way.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents; her siblings, Jack Clark Henritze, Ruth Ann Lee (née Henritze), Robert (Bob) Ray Henritze, Charles (Charlie) Price Henritze, and Elizabeth (Libby) Bernice Abbott (née Henritze); her beloved children, Marsden Eugene (Gene) Gardner III and Jana Lynn Wood; and her cherished partner, Camille (Cam) Shadid.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kimberly Ann (Kim) Gardner; her brother Earl William Henritze (Carolyn; her grandchildren, Daniel Gardner (Alison), Jordan Wood, Mathew Anderson, and the late Anthony Anderson; as well as her beloved great-grandchild, Chase Gardner, and many extended family members and dear friends.

Carolyn will be remembered for her strength, her independence, her authenticity, and the way she spoke and lived with honesty. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped and the memories she leaves behind.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 16th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in Ottawa, at the Pinecrest Recreation Complex, 2250 Torquay Avenue, in the John McDougall Lounge.