It is with the greatest sorrow that we announce the passing of Carol Ann Simpson on June 5, 2026, at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, at the age of 65.

​Born on September 30, 1960, at the Women's Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to parents Audrey Emily May Kirton (née Brown), and Kenneth Bryan Simpson, she was raised in Winnipeg by her mother, alongside a cherished relationship with her grandmother, Mary. Some of her fondest childhood memories were spending time with her sisters and cousins at weekend sleepover gatherings, where they would all get together at someone's home. She also spoke fondly of the summers they spent together in St. Laurent.

​Carol attended Tec Voc High School, where she began dating Kenneth Podolaniuk. They fell in love and married in 1982, and a year later she gave birth to her pride and joy, Neil. She raised him as a proud single parent, and her maternal love extended far beyond her immediate family; she was also a mother figure to Carlee Minchin and Melissa Simpson, who both lived with her for a period of their lives. Carol was looked up to in this manner by many other nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends who saw her as the strong, independent, loving, and compassionate woman she was.

​Throughout her life, she took many people into her home, giving them shelter, food, clothing, and support. To whomever might have needed it, "I've got a bed for your head" was a phrase many heard her say several times throughout her life.

​Carol had many faces to her career, working as a coffee wagon driver, a real estate agent, a grocery store assistant manager, and a call center supervisor. Ultimately, her career led her to sales, and it was during these years that she met her partner, Glenn Hewgill. After a few years of living together in Winnipeg, they moved out to their property in Stead, MB, where they built a beautiful life, home, family business, and many great memories together.

​Arranging gatherings for friends and family to reconnect was something Carol took great pride in doing. She had a great love of music and alongside her close-knit group of girlfriends, affectionately known as "The Twisted Sisters," she hosted countless live music parties and cherished the many talented musicians in their lives. She also proudly served as the group's unofficial Bocce Ball Referee. If anyone questioned one of her rulings, she would simply grin and say, "For fox lake, go mind your own Indian affairs," a line that never failed to make everyone laugh.

​Later in life, she became a Kookum. This truly was one of her biggest joys. Every visit consisted of some type of activity, such as baking or painting, building an unbreakable bond. She shared pictures and videos constantly with her friends, showing the immense pride she had in her granddaughter Hazel, whom she loved so deeply.

​Predeceased by her mother, father, sisters Lynn, Sandy, and Shirley, Carol leaves to mourn her partner, Glenn Hewgill; son, Neil; daughter-in-law, Cara; granddaughter, Hazel; sisters, Donna, Debbie, and Kay; brother, Scott; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

​A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with an announcement to be made via Facebook. We ask that at that time, people share the date with anyone who would love to come, share a memory, and celebrate the amazing woman Carol was.

​The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Carol's name to a charity of your choice (She was a big supporter of Indigenous, women's and children's rights).

 

​We love you. Bye for now...