Obituary of Carole Gorham

Margaret “Carole” (Lutes) Gorham was born in Moncton, New Brunswick on November 6, 1939. The oldest of three sisters, she was a natural-born leader and took care of everyone around her, with a little bit of mischief and a lot of heart. Carole married John Gorham in 1961, and he remained the love of her life until she passed away on June 1, 2024.

Carole was known for her kindness and generosity, and loved entertaining. She used to joke that she never knew who John was bringing home for supper, but she wanted to be prepared. Her daughters, Susan and Lynne, knew that their friends and families were always welcome in their home as well, with many of them still sharing fond memories of the cottage or the house on Deerwood Drive. A wonderful cook, all of us were lucky to have a seat at her dinner table (or to sneak a cookie or two out of the jar on the counter). Even when her arthritis made it difficult for her to make cookies, she enlisted help so that her freezer would be full for anyone who came by.

One of Carole’s great strengths was that she radiated joy, and everyone wanted to be around her. The cottage was her happy place, and always full of visitors who wanted to pop in and say hi or catch up. A lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi, Carole had countless sorority sisters with whom she had great friendships.

Carole is survived by her sisters, Mona Williams and Eileen (Larry) Darling; daughters, Susan Gorham Shaw (Peter) and Lynne Gorham (Steven Francis); grandchildren, Laura (Eric), Katie, Sam and Lily; great-granddaughter, Alice Carole, and several much-loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her best friends, Pearl Cain, Marjorie Cote, and Marilyn Kilburn. We love that she was still enjoying adventures with you.

In addition to her parents, Kenneth and Edith Lutes, Carole was predeceased by her husband, John Gorham; brothers-in-law, Burton Williams and Robert Gorham, and sister-in-law, Shirley Gorham.

Carole was a fighter, living with rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years and beating cancer not once but twice. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and confidant with an incredible listening ear and voice of reason. She will be greatly missed.

A special thank you to Dr. Barton for his wonderful care over the years.

A visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 2-6pm. In keeping with Carole’s wishes, there will be no funeral, and a private family interment will happen at a later date.

In memory of Carole, please wear your favourite lipstick, bake a batch of cookies, or call a friend for an overdue catch-up. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the St. James Cemetery Fund.