Carolyn Ruth Thomas

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carolyn Ruth Thomas on July 31, 2026, at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Carol is survived by her sisters Lorrie (David) Dinsmore and Nancy (late Iain) Muir, her nieces Andrea Dinsmore (Pete Bryce) and Kate (Matthew) Nemeth, nephews Jamie (Jackie) Dinsmore and Duncan Muir, and 4 great nieces and nephews.

Carol was predeceased by her beloved husband Rodney Neufeld and her parents Ruth (Hodgins) and Wilbert “Tommy” Thomas.

Carol and Rod were avid aircraft pilots. They especially enjoyed flying the Gruman Cheetah “CQIG” across Canada with the challenge of navigating through the Rocky Mountains to the west coast. Carol achieved advanced ratings including her commercial pilot’s license and night rating. She was a proud “99” and a highlight of her flying adventures was competing in the all women transcontinental air race across the United States (the Powder Puff Derby). She also enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the Hope Chapter of Eastern Star,

Carol was a graduate of Carleton University and the University of Toronto and spent her career teaching elementary grades for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.

Carol’s cheerful demeanor will be missed. Family and friends are grateful to have celebrated her 80th birthday with her recently.

Interment has taken place at St James Anglican Cemetery, Carp.