Carolyn Cicely Rompkey

On September 10th we said goodbye to our dear, sweet mother, Carolyn Rompkey (Pike). She was 87 years old. After suffering a stroke, plus other complications, she passed peacefully with her adoring children, Peter and Hilary, by her side. She is predeceased by her husband Bill Rompkey (2017). She leaves behind loving grandchildren, Max and Will, and son-in-law Joel, cousins, nieces and nephews in Newfoundland and beyond and an immense circle of wonderful friends and neighbours.

Carolyn graduated from Memorial University in St. John’s NL. She originally wanted to be a nurse but, on the advice of her basketball coach, she decided to do phys ed. and went on to become a gym teacher. She married Bill in 1963, and shortly after, they moved to North West River, Labrador, where they both taught and it wasn’t long before they started a family. And so the love story began with Labrador and its people. They would tell you it was the best time of their lives. In 1972, life changed again, when Carolyn became an unwavering partner in Bill’s political career; a role she took on with gusto and a shared passion for meeting new people and forging relationships. They were an inseparable team through seven federal elections.

She was admired and loved by many. Her mantra was “it doesn’t take much effort to be kind”. Full of light and energy she thrived on talking to people and making connections. Telling stories was Carolyn’s forté; most often about the adventures she and Bill had in Labrador.

Caring and nurturing, she taught everyone around her to be strong and independent. She was a champion for us all: family, friends, and, especially her grandchildren. She loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. A loyal, steadfast friend and confidante to many. The immense circle of friends she had was inspiring.

The family would like to thank the Neurology ICU team at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for the phenomenal care they provided.

Visitation in Ottawa will be at Tubman’s funeral home on Friday, September 26 from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 8pm. A second visitation will take place at Carnell's Funeral Home in St. John’s, NL at a later date in October. Service and interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Them Days magazine. 

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E-transfers can be made to themdays@themdays.com . For e-transfers please indicate in the message that it is a donation and in honour of Carolyn Rompkey. Their mailing address is Them Days,PO Box 939 Stn B, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL A0P 1E0 Ph. 709 896-4970