February 13, 1938 – December 12, 2022
Caroline (Carol) June Lutz (nee Letkeman) was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan to Susana Letkeman on February 13, 1938. She was raised by her mother with the help of Carol’s grandparents Elizabeth and Johann, on their farm in Wymark, Saskatchewan until she was 13 and her mother married William (Bill) Stern. Her mom, Mama Susie, raised her to show her love through cooking and Carol’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will cherish the memories and recipes of their baking and dishes that have been passed down.
Growing up Carol played centre in hockey and enjoyed travelling with her team. She took interest in Shakespeare, still remembering and reciting lines from Macbeth (that she memorized for an assignment in school). Up until the end Carol was always very determined and hardworking, having numerous jobs throughout her life. She worked many years at the Bowden nursery and when Manville opened in Innisfail she was the only female hot-end operator (her nickname there was Mrs. Beasley). When she worked at a fiberglass plant in Bowden, she spent her breaks making her own canoe. Working at the Bowden golf course as a hostess she often brought in her own baking to share with guests, and she made everyone feel at home.
Carol was married to Cameron Sawyer for 25 years and they had their daughters Karen, Kelly (Dave), Camilla (John), Carla (Doug), and Candace (Scott). She loved being a grandmother to her many grandchildren Kerry (Dell), Tammy, Mic (Melissa), Brittany (Hermel), Bronson (Katie), Jesse (Ashlee), Dean, Samuel, Quin (Catarina), Cameron, Sawyer (Nakita), Dani (Calvin), Emma (Jordan), Kasper (Jillian), Sayde (Quinton), and Andi (Cole) as well as many great grandchildren.
At age 43 Carol met her soulmate, Walter Lutz, and they spent 40 beautiful years together. She loved his sons Brad (Jennifer), Shane (Laurel), and Kim (Lisa) and their children and grandchildren. The Sawyer sisters express their gratitude to the Walter Lutz family for their endless love and care shown to their mother, she loved you all dearly.
Carol will be remembered for her sense of humour and shenanigans, her generous and light-hearted nature, and her green thumb. She would keep her Christmas poinsettias alive until almost summer and stayed “young at heart” through everything. She enjoyed volunteering at the Bowden thrift store. She couldn’t sit still, she loved to keep busy, and was always visiting with family, friends, or anyone around the neighborhood. There was never a dull moment with Carol. She wanted to stay independent as long as possible and her family is thankful to the home care staff, her patient house cleaner, and the friends in her building who checked in on her frequently during the months she lived alone.
On May 4, 2022, Carol lost the love of her life; only seven months later she left to be with him. Every moment since “Wally” passed her heart ached for him. She listened to Tom Jones music and sang along to the lyrics “without love, you have nothing at all”. “Mama” passed away in their home on December 12, 2022, at 84 years old when her hurting heart needed to rest. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter Lutz, her mom Susie Stern, her stepdad Bill Stern, her brother Mic Stern, and her grandson Cameron Gervais. She will be lovingly remembered by her and Walter’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her sister Geri Fulton (Gordon), as well as numerous friends and neighbors.
Sorry to say that Walmart could go bankrupt as Carol will not be shopping there every day.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Carol will be laid to rest with her husband Walter at the Mayton Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the local food bank of your choice. Mama loved to feed people and wouldn’t want anyone hungry this Christmas.
Heartland Funeral Services Olds entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
