Obituary of Carolyn Ethel McLean McMullen

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Carolyn Ethel McLean (Manzer) McMullen on August 27, 2022. Her death occurred at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital following a period of illness. Carolyn was born on December 22, 1938 and raised in Fredericton. After graduating from Fredericton High School in 1957, Carolyn studied Applied Arts at Mount Allison University. Her experience at Mount Allison provided her with a life-long love and appreciation for the Arts. In 1960, following graduation, she became a weaving instructor for the Handcrafts Section of the Nova Scotia Adult Education Division. The Handcraft Center, which focused on Outreach, had a large station wagon which she would load with eight to ten looms and travel throughout Nova Scotia teaching weaving. Her continued desire for knowledge and education led her to undertake a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Classics and Ancient History from the University of New Brunswick. This was no small task considering she was the mother of four children and therefore had many other distractions; she completed her degree in 2004. Carolyn was an avid reader and intellect and was never, ever without a book on the go. She was adept at handwork such as knitting, sewing, quilting and rug hooking. She enjoyed travelling, and saw many countries in her lifetime. She had a deep love of nature and the environment, always ensuring to communicate their importance to her children. She cared about Indigenous history and political issues and was never afraid to express her opinion or disappointment while discussing these topics. She was a volunteer at the Pantry out of St. Paul’s United Church for several years and always cared deeply about the well-being of people suffering or in need. In the summer, Carolyn loved spending time in her garden, and at Sand Point where she enjoyed the most incredible view of the Saint John River. In the winter, she skied at Crabbe Mountain with her family. Above all her interests and talents, she was a devoted and loving mother to her four children and wife to her husband. She always put her family first and was always there for each of us. She adored her grandchildren as they did her. She was witty and quick, and this wit amazed us and made us laugh up until her very last days. She was calm and elegant and taught us so many important life skills. Her home was warm and welcoming with children, friends and family always coming and going. Carolyn is survived by her loving husband John, to whom she was married for exactly 56 years, her daughters Robyn (David); Gillian; Caroline (Greg) and son John (Jennifer); her brother Ronald Manzer of Victoria B.C., brother-in-law David McMullen, sisters-in-law Sharon McMullen and Margaret Colwell as well as several nieces and nephews and so many close friends whom she loved. Most importantly, her eight beautiful grandchildren: Gregory, Andrew, Jane, Sophia, Nikolai, Kate, Jack and Alex all of whom she was so proud of and who brought her so much joy. Carolyn was predeceased by her parents Wendell and Margaret Manzer of Fredericton as well as her sister-in-law Kathryn and niece Patricia. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital who assisted with her care. As per her wishes, a private interment will take place at the Fredericton Rural Cemetery. Please join us for a celebration of her life at the family home on Thursday, September 1st, at 3 pm.