Obituary for ~ Carolyn Joy Petropolis (nee Langille) June 21, 1953 - November 16, 2007
PETROPOLIS (Langille), Carolyn Joy Bernadette -
After a valiant fight with bowel cancer, Carolyn slipped away peacefully at home in the hands of God, her family and friends on November 16, 2007.
She was born in Halifax to Ann and Rex Langille on June 21, 1953.
Carolyn graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1970.
She earned a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from Saint Mary's University in 1974 and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia in 1976.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Dr. Peter N. Petropolis;
sons, Dr. Nicholas P. Petropolis, Christian J. Petropolis and Harrison M. Petropolis;
sisters, Joan Kelly (Patrick), Halifax; Eileen Mills (Roger), Delta, B.C.; Evelyn Murphy, Halifax;
her lifetime friend and "sister", Virginia Turner (Jeffrey Peyton), Pangnirtung, Nunavut;
nephews, Sean Murphy, Ottawa, and Darcy Stolte, Cloverdale, B.C.,
and niece, Coleen Murphy, Halifax.
Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, and brother-in-law, Graham Murphy.
Carolyn was a passionate teacher who went above and beyond the call of duty to encourage and mentor her students. Affectionately known as Mrs. P., she began her teaching career at Centre Consolidated School. She was an active faculty member at Timberlea Junior High, later BLT School and finally at Ridgecliff Middle School. She led various activities including science fairs, school productions, and teacher celebrations. She was committed to her students. She asked them to begin their day as she began hers: in quiet reflection, inviting students to seek guidance and direction from their hearts.
Carolyn and Peter were married in Canadian Martyrs Church, Halifax on October 6, 1979, and created a home for their boys as well as extended family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors who often enjoyed Peter's wine in the garden that both she and Peter loved and nurtured.
Carolyn sought God for guidance and it was from this place that she offered her abundant love to others. Amongst her many gifts were calligraphy, a beautiful voice, leadership skills, creative writing, decorating, pottery, painting and gardening. Carolyn, true to her name, brought joy, love and peace to those who knew her. In the fall, she and Peter could be found proudly supporting their sons at Queen Elizabeth High School and St. Francis Xavier football games.
The Petropolis family wish to acknowledge and thank her whole medical team whose expertise, care and compassion meant so much to her and Peter, namely Dr. Gina Burgess, Dr. Geoffrey Porter, Barb and Dr. Rayson, the wonderful 11-Victoria Oncology team, and the Palliative care team.
Carolyn is being waked at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, 2032 Robie St., Halifax.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 18, from 6-8 p.m. and on Monday, November 19, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
His Grace Most Rev. Archbishop Terrence T. Prendergast, S.J. will preside at the Mass of Christian
Burial in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 2267 Brunswick St., Halifax on Tuesday, November 20, at 10 a.m.
Donations to Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada would be greatly appreciated.
