Stories

Caroline May Alvey

Caroline Stoakes was born on July 9, 1914 in Nottingham, England. She attended university on a scholarship before working at Boot’s Chemists. During the Second World War, Caroline met Harry Alvey, a Hamilton lad stationed in England with the Royal Canadian Air Force. They married there in 1944 and returned to Canada, living first in Galt and later in Hamilton. Caroline and Harry traveled extensively during their 55-year marriage – from Hawaii, China and Africa, to Australia, Greece and Turkey.

Caroline had a keen interest in history, geography and current affairs. She read voraciously and enjoyed opera and classical music. A lifetime member of the Red Cross, she also volunteered with the Salvation Army. She was a faithful annual donor to the Hamilton Community Foundation Spectator Summer Camp Fund for children. When she died in May of 2001, Caroline left a generous bequest to Hamilton Community Foundation, along with gifts to the War Amps, the Salvation Army and Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Excerpt from 2001-2002 Annual Report