Obituary of Carol Jean Ortman

Carol Jean Ortman (nee Saunders), late of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 12, 2018, in the presence of family.  Carol was predeceased by parents Annie Irene Anderson, Earl Anderson Saunders, and step-father Frank Rollo Dempster; as well as siblings Earl Saunders, Dorothy Saunders, George Dempster, Ian Dempster, and Catherine Dempster.  Carol is survived by her husband of almost 64 years, Leo Ortman; son Frank (Sheree) Ortman; daughter Sharlene McGowan (Thomas Scott-McGowan); and grandchildren Laura, Brian, and Matthew (Ashley); as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.  Carol was born at Grey Nuns Hospital, attended Victoria School, Central Collegiate, and Balfour Technical School.  Carol was a woman of tremendous faith and strength.  She was a proud member of Metropolitan United Church (now Knox-Metropolitan United) most of her life from childhood until her passing.  Being a member of CGIT at Metropolitan United as a youth was a wonderful and memorable time for Carol and, just before her passing, she learned that CGIT will be returning to Knox-Metropolitan United.  She later married the love of her life, Leo, at Metropolitan United on July 9, 1955.  Carol was a stenographer, secretary, and office manager with the Government of Saskatchewan, Social Services and then Department of Justice, for most of her career.  She excelled in the arts of shorthand and English language usage.  Retired since 1994, Carol and Leo enjoyed beautiful vacations in Mesa, Arizona, New York, cruises, and trips to the mountains.  She was an enthusiastic reader and could progress through a novel with lightning speed.  Her greatest joy was in the company of her children, grandchildren, and good friends, but most of all she delighted in the incredible love story she shared with her husband, Leo, who was at her side with loving devotion in the last months of her illness.  The celebration of life will take place at Knox-Metropolitan United Church, 2340 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK, on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.  Family and friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Knox-Metropolitan United Church Organ Fund, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of their choice.