Joan Carolynn Reid
Died: October 28, 2026 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
REID, Joan Carolynn…
Carolynn Reid of Port Dover, Ontario passed away peacefully, with her husband and daughters by her side, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. She was 83. Carolynn lived a good life.
Carolynn will be dearly missed by her husband Doug and daughters Susan (Peter) and Jennifer (Walter), as well as her sisters Mary Ellen (Dave) and Susan (the late Terry).
Carolynn enjoyed the simple things in life and prioritized family gatherings. She spent over sixty years enjoying the view of Lake Erie from on top of the vetch-covered cliffside in Port Dover. While she and Doug travelled extensively, even road-tripping North America in a VW van, the view of the lake at home, with Long Point in the distance, was her favourite. Carolynn loved the unique community of Rosedale Lane, especially her time on the deck in conversation with neighbours. The Reid home was a welcoming place where there was always more room at the table for Soup Supper on Friday nights. Contribute what you can and enjoy the company, that’s all that was asked. Anyone lucky enough to join the Reid’s over a holiday knew the pleasures of Carolynn’s cooking. Fresh baked bread and dinner rolls, raisin squares and pies, sticky buns and chocolate covered peanut butter balls. She was a magician in the kitchen as long as everyone kept out of her way, unless you wanted to help chop vegetables. If you didn’t get full at dinner at the Reid’s home, “It was your own fault.”
When she wasn’t supporting her family, Carolynn volunteered her time in her community or taught young people to knit, bake or cook. She volunteered at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre for many years, often deputizing nieces and nephews to collect tickets during their summer visits. At the hospital in London, where Susan (daughter) is employed as a nurse, Carolynn is known as The Pie Lady for her contribution of countless ribbon-worthy apple pies to be sold at fundraisers. For fifty years, Carolynn Reid tidied the entire Port Dover beach each morning. And made a small fortune collecting the empties in the process.
Carolynn was a thoughtful, loving and caring woman, always rooting for her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, with words of encouragement and a listening ear whenever needed. “I got my money on you,” she would say. While her grandchildren Carolynn, Lucy, Emma and Ethan grieve her loss today they will feel immense gratitude for having had such a wonderful human to call ‘Gramma’ tomorrow.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please invite a friend or family member over for dinner and enjoy each other’s company. Have a rum and coke together. Let Carolynn’s example of always making more room at the table inspire you to reconnect with loved ones or meet someone new. Don’t skip out on dessert. Have a scoop of ice cream, or a Snickers bar for Carolynn.
A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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My heart is broken.
Loved you so much Auntie Carolyn.
Thanks for the memories, support and always love
I am sad to hear the news of Carolyn’s passing. I lived for approximately 8 months in the cottage next door to Doug and Carolyn. I was blessed to attend several of the Friday night suppers. Carolyn was always so welcoming and very helpful. I was new to Dover so she made sure I was aware of all the activities and places to go. My heart breaks for Doug and her family. I hope the many wonderful memories that you all shared bring you great comfort.
❤️
Gail Crossman
All my Sympathy to Doug and family on the loss of Carolynn. For many years, Carolynn was the fantastic Pie Lady to me, with her rhubarb custard being a supreme favourite. She donated all the money to good causes. I used to often meet up with Carolynn out on morning walks, including the very early ones to pick up on Port Dover’s main beach. A sad loss for Port Dover.
To Doug, Susan, Jennifer, Maryellen, Susan and families: My deepest sympathy to all of you for your loss of Carolyn. She was so much the ‘glue’ of your family. So much the welcoming presence and the meaning of home. She was a presence in our life living next to her and Doug on the lake. She was wonderful to our mom particularly when mom got sick. Her generous spirit gave to us and so many-she personally saw to it that people were taken care of and not forgotten. She always told you straight up how she thought and felt and that honesty was something many people appreciated. You may feel lost without her, but I truly believe that there is a place in heaven for people who cared for others as Carolyn did – she has her place now, she can fly free now! I hope those thoughts can give you a measure of comfort and peace and the belief that her spirit is always but a breath away from you. Take care of each other.
I’m so sorry to read about Carolyn’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️🫂🙏