June 6, 1942 - December 22, 2021
Carol Lynn Potiuk (nee. Sinclair) passed away peacefully on the morning of December 22, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta following a long battle with Dementia. Carol is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, John, her two sons Jordan and Dustin, their spouses Rhonda and Jennifer, as well as, her grandchildren Eva, Jackson and Sasha. She is further survived by her siblings; Patricia Sinclair, Ted Sinclair, Joy Nykiforuk, Judy Dorland, Tim Sinclair and Tam Sinclair.
Carol was born in Edmonton, Alberta on June 6, 1942, the second child to parents George and Dorothy Sinclair. While she spent her early years in Edmonton, the Sinclair family soon moved to Red Deer, Alberta where her father George owned and operated Sim’s Furniture (Red Deer) for many years. Carol was educated in Red Deer, was a good student, and graduated with honors from Lindsay Thurber High School in 1960. Following high school, Carol attended the University of Oregon before returning to Alberta to work as an administrative assistant in the oil and gas industry and eventually worked in Red Deer as a legal assistant.
In 1964 Carol married Kent Olson who predeceased her in 1969.
In 1972 Carol married her life’s great love, John Potiuk, and following their purchase of Sim’s Furniture (Olds) in 1973, the family moved to Olds, Alberta, where Dustin was welcomed into the fold in 1974. For nearly 50 years Carol and John operated this family business, which included a hobby business for Carol, “Carol’s Cupboard” where one could find an assortment of unique gifts and collectables. Carol was truly passionate about her work and sincerely enjoyed helping customers furnish houses into homes. For Carol, everything about a family flowed from the home.
While being active in the family business, and managing her family’s home, Carol was also involved in the furniture industry, serving on the Board of Directors of a large national buying group, including serving as the Chairman of the Board for this group. Carol was also keenly and actively involved in her community, as she served for several years as a school board trustee for the County of Mountain View, as well as being active in the St. Stephen’s Parish in Olds, which included being a member of the parish choir for many years. Carol took great joy singing and playing her flute with her friends in the choir.
Carol loved music. She particularly loved to play classical piano; Chopin being a favourite and she would often entertain anyone within earshot with her singing, piano or flute playing. She loved to watch sports, particularly hockey and baseball and could often be heard loudly cheering for her favorite team or player, particularly if her grandchildren were playing. Carol was also a great cook, baker, an unparalleled housekeeper and gardener. John would often comment that no restaurant could match her cooking.
Carol was very respected in her community and was known to be honest, strong, and fiery. She was never afraid to speak up for what was right, and she never shied away from giving her opinion if she thought it was warranted. She would go to great lengths to assist those in need and she always looked out for the underdog. She has left us with many unforgettable life lessons and treasured memories. She was truly a force of nature and never let any obstacle prevent her from achieving her goals. Carol never failed to make an impression. If you met her, you would never forget her.
Until we meet again, we love you Mom.
Carol’s family would like to thank Suprinder Dhilon, Dr. Geoghegan, and all the care staff at Staywell Manor for providing great compassionate care for Carol, John and their sons.
A private funeral service will be held March 19, 2022 at St. Stephens Catholic Parish in Olds, Alberta. Carol’s family invite people who would wish to attend to contact Jordan Potiuk at [email protected]. Due to Covid -19 restrictions the number of attendees may be limited, and the family will accommodate as many people as restrictions allow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice in Carol’s name could be made.
