Mildred Avis Tompkins Kaarsoo

Mildred Tompkins Kaarsoo, of Gravenhurst, ON passed away on October 8, 2024 in hospice at Andy’s House in Port Carling after a long and fulfilling life at the age of 92. Predeceased by her son Stephen Manson and first husband John Manson she will be sadly missed by her large extended family: Daughters Lynn Manson (Paul van der Vliet), Carol Manson (Richard Presley) Karin Kaarsoo (Scott Chisholm), Kirsten Kaarsoo (Lyle McLeod). Her grandchildren Cory and Stacy van der Vliet, William, Kyle and Adam Presley, Andrew and Liisa Chisholm, Alison and Callum McLeod. Great grandchildren Arrow, Sabastian, Lennon and Finlay.

Millie was born on August 4, 1932 to Josephine Murray and Bradstreet Tompkins in Woodstock NB. She was the fourth eldest of nine children and is survived by two sisters Mary Fontenot, Helen Waddell and one brother Charles Tompkins. 

After graduating from secretarial school, she began working at the University of NB where she met her first husband John Manson and they married in 1953. John’s work took them to the US where they lived until 1968 when they moved to Montreal. 

In Montreal, when her children were young, she was active in the community, volunteering for Girl Guides and Sunday school. She also belonged to bridge, art and skiing clubs. 

After raising her three children, she returned to school and earned her Early Childhood education diploma and went on to teach children with special needs for several years. She was a talented artist who created beautiful oil paintings. Her favourite subjects were fall scenes, old barns, seashores and of course her grandchildren. 

After meeting her second husband Enn Kaarsoo they moved to Gravenhurst in January 1986 and bought a house by the lake at Sunset Bay. There they hosted many wonderful meals with family, friends and welcomed all who arrived on the doorstep. This house was a favourite summer retreat for her grandchildren and a special place where many fond memories were made. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Granite Ridge Retirement Residence where she has lived for the past year. As well as Dr. Gleeson and the Nurses at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Muskoka Hospice - Andy’s House for the excellent care they provided during her last days in making her comfortable, and the empathy they displayed.

Cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, and friend. She will continue to be an eternal light in the lives of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will take place at Caviil Funeral Home on October 21 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of donations to the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka or Andy’s House - Muskoka Hospice.

https://www.childrenofmuskoka.com

http://www.hospicemuskoka.com