Obituary of Carolyn Ruth Roth

March 12, 1937 – October 3, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dearest mother, Carolyn Roth.

She is survived by her son, Dr. David Roth (Fran), her daughter, Dr. Valerie Roth, her grandchildren, James Roth (Hinson Chaplin) and Julia Roth Begg (Ryan Begg), her brother, Dr. Clive Good (Elaine) and her sister, Brenda Weber.  She was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Florence Good, her husband Dr. Freeman Roth and her brother-in-law, Jim Weber.

Throughout Carolyn’s life, she touched countless lives with the many skills and talents she possessed.  She graduated top of her class from the University of Toronto’s Dental Hygiene Program in 1956.  In 1979 she went back to school to complete the Expanded Dental Hygiene course.  It was the first year this specialized course was offered and once again she graduated at the top of her class.  Many of her patients claim they still have their teeth due to her tireless guidance on perfect dental hygiene.

She was an accomplished musician. One of her favorite past times was playing hymns on the pipe organ at Chesley Lake’s Hallman Chapel.  Whether it was for the Sunday services or the Vacation Bible School, she spent hours practicing and perfecting every hymn so that everyone could sing along. She particularly enjoyed hearing the harmonies that the congregation would sing while she was accompanying them. No matter where she was living, her precious keyboard was always close by. She often lovingly entertained her fellow residents at her retirement home and later her nursing home. Despite a twenty five year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, she was still able to play her keyboard up until her death. Her spirit will live on through the hymns she so loved to perform.

To keep up with her very active husband, she learned and enjoyed many sports.  She became an avid skier on the snow as well as the water.  She played golf, badminton, canoed, hiked wherever there was a trail, and loved to go on camping adventures.  Killarney Provincial Park was a favorite spot for her to paddle through and enjoy all the beauty of nature. She was always thrilled to hear the call of the loons!

Another passion was her photography.  At any special event, you would always find her behind the lens of a still camera or a video camera, recording all of the happenings.  She especially loved to film her grandchildren from infancy to adulthood.

Carolyn spent her retirement years between her ski chalet at Devil’s Glen Country Club and her cottage at Chesley Lake Camp. She diligently designed and built both locations for her family to enjoy.  These residences gave her great joy as she was surrounded by her family, nature, her favorite flowers, and of course her numerous bird feeders to watch her many feathered friends. 

We would like to extend a thank you to all of the staff at Columbia Forest Long Term Care Home for the loving care they gave her, especially in her final days.   

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 7pm to 9pm, at Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S. Waterloo. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 2pm, at Rockway Mennonite Church, 47 Onward Ave., Kitchener. The service will be followed by a reception for friends and family in the lower level of the church. 

Carolyn’s family would greatly appreciate memorial donations to go to the Hallman Chapel of the Chesley Lake Camp Association, Parkinson’s Canada or Grand River Hospital. Donations can be arranged through www.erbgood.com.