Her family moved to Lethbridge in 1963 where Carolyn graduated from Winston Churchill then went on to graduate from nursing school. She met Robert (Bob) Nihill, married on September 22, 1967, then moved to Calgary where she worked as a nurse in the Holy Cross and Foothills Hospital. They were blessed with two daughters; Kimberley Nihill in March 1970, then Karmen Nihill in January 1972. The family relocated back to Lethbridge in 1975 and, shortly afterwards, were divorced but remained close friends until Bob’s passing in 2010.

At the age of 32, Carolyn’s daughters introduced her to Charles Elliott from Odessa, Texas. A 3-year long distance relationship of many phone calls and letter writing, brought Charles to Canada, they were married on June 13, 1981. They enjoyed years of travelling and tenting as a family throughout the United States, visiting many museums, and tourist attractions, his family, became a part of theirs. Sadly, Charles passed away from cancer in 1996.

Years later Carolyn was introduced to Andy Aucoin, they instantly hit it off and were married on September 8, 2007. They lived happily going on many trips camping and travelling in their motorhome; went on a bus tour, and several cruises. In 2018 Andy lost his ability to walk and moved into Good Sam’s to receive proper care, but their love for one another continued through to her passing. Carolyn’s favourite things were birds, butterflies & cats, spending time with family and friends, knitting, reading books, scrolling through Facebook, watching crime shows, eating cake, planting flowers in her many outdoor pots. She learned how to play the accordion when she was young and sang in many church choirs and Gospel groups. She was always extremely faith-based, raising her children to be the same.

Carolyn was a caregiver her entire life, she loved wholeheartedly, would do anything for her family & friends, she was loved by all who knew her. Her life had lots of ups and downs but her strong relationship with the Lord carried her through. Her last few years were spent fighting a courageous battle, with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, a meningioma across her entire frontal lobe (later removed), then endured 33 radiation treatments. As her health failed further, she moved to Legacy Lodge and passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on May 20, 2024.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Edwin & Doris Callfas and brother-in-law, Allan Groves. She leaves behind her daughters; Kimberley Nihill, Grand-daughter, Ariel Dietl; Karmen Nihill, Grandson, James (Chrissy) Nihill, and Great-Grandchildren Dante and Yuna; brother, Derek (Dolores) Callfas; sister, LaDonna Groves, as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Our sincere thanks to all who prayed for and visited her, as well as to all who cared for mom while her health was failing. You all made the road to our mother’s final days much easier and we will be forever grateful!

May our Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Best Friend forever rest in peace.

A Celebration of Carolyn’s Life will be held at THE MIZ CITY CHURCH, 502 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.

Carolyn was laid to rest in a private Family Graveside Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would graciously accept a potted plant/flower or perennial so that it can continue to grow in the spirit of Carolyn.