Obituary of Carolyn Rose Hillestad

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Carolyn Hillestad (Hamilton) passed away after a brief illness on April 20, 2024.  Born on April 2, 1942 to Pearl and Harvey Hamilton, she grew up in the back of the family business, Exhibition Grocery and Confectionary.

Carolyn attended Sion Academy (K-12) making many lifelong friendships.  She loved to show horses and was an active member of the Saskatoon Pony Club.  She also curled, played ball and was a proud city champ of marbles and crokinole. 

After completing Saskatoon Business College Carolyn enjoyed her career with the Royal Bank until she met the love of her life Edward Hillestad. They married in 1970 and purchased and ran Lorne Avenue Service together until 1985.  In her retirement she enjoyed working at Costco and spending time at the farm.  

Mom was tender hearted, gentle, kind and thoughtful. She was also strong, stubborn and an astute businesswoman.  She loved to decorate for every season. She also delighted in telling tales about the good old days that seemed to grow taller with age.  She enjoyed a good stiff rye and was happiest being hostess to company or surrounded by friends.  When she still drove she took on the role of chauffeur to many friends and family driving them to appointments, getting their groceries or driving a car full of friends to the latest social event.  

Family and friendship were paramount.  Mom continued to nurture friendships exceeding 75 years and yet would make new friends and connections wherever she went.  She was well known for always remembering occasions with a thoughtful note or card.

Carolyn leaves behind daughter Sheri (Rod Smith), cherished grandsons Andrew and Rowan; sister Starr Harding’s (Harold) family, Tamara (Brent) Wolfater and Kara Harding; sister Donna Speidel’s (deceased) family, Tracy (James) Kernaghan and Craig (Jeannie Winter) Speidel.  In addition to great nieces and nephews and many treasured friends.

Our family would also like to share our appreciation and gratitude to Michelle “Shadow” - Mom’s partner in crime of recent years, supporting Mom at home and ensuring her shenanigans continued.

Liturgy of the Word will be held on Friday, May 3 at 1:00 p.m., St. Phillip Neri Parish.