Carol Marina Spence, age 77, of the Herrett Road, Springhill, NS passed away peacefully on September 25, 2014, following a brief illness.  Born in Springhill, she was the daughter of the late Medley Rector and Florence (Storey, Rector) Harroun.

Carol attended the Provincial Normal College in Truro and graduated in 1955.  She taught elementary school for 36 years, retiring in 1993.  Each year, Carol delighted in welcoming new students to grade one at West End Elementary.  She followed their progress and celebrated their success long after they left her classroom.  Carol took courses and attended seminars throughout her career, continually looking for new ways to engage her students.  She passed on her love of learning to her sons, as well as her nieces, nephews and grandchildren; patiently teaching them to read and write at her kitchen table.  Carol was also an advocate for early childhood education.  She volunteered with the Marion Macleod Pre-school Head Start Program from its inception in 1969 until 1993.  She served as chairperson from 1997–2004 and was a member of the Board of Directors.  Carol cherished her life-long friends and enjoyed reminiscing about happy times shared together.   After following separate paths, Carol was reunited with her high school sweetheart Bob.  They married in 1995. A passionate baseball fan, Carol cheered for the New York Yankees. She also enjoyed the challenge of a good crossword puzzle.  Most of all, Carol loved gathering with her family and bringing everyone together at Heather Beach. 

Carol will be missed dearly by her husband Robert H. (Bob ) Spence; her son  Aaron Bliss Bourgeois and daughter-in-law Angela (Ryan) Bourgeois, Amherst; grandchildren Jacob and Ellen Bourgeois, Amherst; daughter-in-law Leslie Hickman, Halifax;  step-son Michel Spence, Ottawa;  brother James F. Rector (Linda Weatherby) Springhill; sister Claire (Dr. Claude Bugden) Halifax, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as the wonderful and extended Spence family. 

In addition to her parents, Carol was predeceased by her beloved son Andrew Bourgeois, formerly of Halifax and her stepfather Bill (William) Harroun, Springhill.
Visitation will take place from 7:00-9:00 pm, Sunday, September 28 at A H Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane St., Springhill (902)597-2361. A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, September 29 at All Saints Anglican Church, 9 Junction Road, Springhill (902)597-2143.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and All Saints Hospital Foundation.