Caroline Lorna McRae, who will be greatly missed, passed away on August 8th, 2025, surrounded by her friend and family members.
She is survived by her son, her granddaughter, her daughter-in-law, her nieces Jasmine in New Zealand, Annabelle in Canada, and Daphne in Europe along with her brother Paul and her sister-in-law Chantal in Portugal.
Born in England on March 17th, 1945, she immigrated to Canada with her mother Joan Michie McRae landing in Halifax at Pier 21 in 1947. They made their way to Campbellton New Brunswick, birthplace of her father George Kenneth McRae. There they were welcomed by the Campbellton McRae Clan. Caroline is the eldest of 16 cousins on the McRae side and is deeply loved by them along with all her many Michie cousins and family overseas.
Caroline lived a full life filled with adventure, travel and laughter. Starting at eighteen she blazed a trail across Canada, Africa and eventually South East Asia. In later years she did so in the company of her son and together they shared many adventures. She was especially proud of riding a motorcycle across Africa and Canada in the 1960's and 70's.
She was very passionate about aid and development and spent most of her working life in NGO's and later CIDA where she was valued both by her colleagues and the many people, she worked with on projects all over Africa and South East Asia.
She had a sharp wit, was full of sarcasm and was a lot of fun to be around. She always wanted to find out where someone was from and left a lasting impression everywhere she went.
She was also a fighter and someone of great strength who overcame many obstacles in life, and she did a lot of that as a single mother.
To say she will be greatly missed is a cliché but very true, she will be missed by friends, family including her 2 dearest cousins, and all the people whose lives she touched.
In life Caroline always took the road less traveled.
The Celebration of Life recording can be viewed here.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Cornerstone Women's Shelter
Digital Guestbook
The Watson Family
Joseph Frangione
Very saddened by the loss of Caroline, a cherished friend and client whose warmth and wisdom made our relationship a joy. Though she is gone, her compassion and strength has been remarkable to witness. My heartfelt condolences to her family and hopefully find peace in the memories she created.
Judith Davies and Jean Gauvreau
Caroline was an inspiration to all of us who knew her over the years.Our sincere condolences to her family and close friends.
Wendy Quarry
Hey Caroline - happy I got to laugh with you so many times in recent months - and very glad your need to be brave has come to an end - Damien, thinking of you
Wendy Miller
So glad to have met you at CIDA. Yours was a life well lived Caroline. Go now in peace.
With sincerest condolences.
Mario Renaud
Au plaisir Caroline d’avoir travaillé avec toi à Jakarta et côtoyé à l’ACDI. Ta passion pour l’aide aux plus démunis a toujours été présente. J’ai apprécié ton humour et ta joie de vivre. Repose en paix. Condoléances à la famille.
Calvin Piggott
Dear Caroline, family and friends: greatly appreciated your friendship and particularly our times together on the Horn of Africa programme, and one very memorable trip together in Eritrea.and Ethiopia! Your contributions were immeasurable and your warm collegiality was greatly appreciated. You were exemplary in work and personal life and I'm sure leave behind many warm memories. Deep appreciation for all you have done in your life and work! And deepest sympathies to your family and loved ones🙏❤️🙏
pierre-serge bolduc
Au revoir Caroline! J’ai de bons souvenirs de toi. On a le même âge. Notre expérience avec l’ACDI a été très positive et agréable. Pour moi la vie continue. À bientôt de l’autre côté.
Barbara MacDonald Moore
Oh my goodness, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Caroline. Memories flood forth from WUSC days and young Damien along the way. I smile as I remember her delightful mix of creative wit and deep caring that shaped a successful career in international development.
Wendy Lawrence
To Damien and family members:
I am saddened by the loss of Caroline, with whom I worked in Jakarta as CIDA staff. I relied on her to be unconventional, whether she was offering useful advice or just being herself. Fortunately, I spoke with her very recently, when we reminisced about days in Jakarta; the best memories involved having a good laugh as we raised a glass while dangling our feet in a pool. May she rest now.
Please accept my condolences.
-- Wendy L.
Dear Caroline, may you Rest in Peace and may your family find joy and laughter in shared memories of your remarkable life.