Carrie Hands
Carrie Hands
Carrie Hands
Carrie Hands
Carrie Hands
Carrie Hands

Obituary of Carrie Hands

It is with profound sadness that the family of Carrie Hands (nee Greaves) announce she entered into rest on July 22 with her family by her side. Loving wife, best friend and business partner to the late John Hands. Powerful and nurturing Mother of Jason Hands (Laura) and Matthew Hands (Szilv). She was a beloved Maimeo to granddaughters Kennedy, Locklyn, and Olivia. Carrie is survived by her brothers Ron Greaves (Dianne) and Paul Greaves (Nancy) as well as in-laws Howard and Dorothy Fournier, Robert and Trish Legault, Hon. Willie Adams and Mary Hands, Jim and Judy Hands, Len and Bev Esposito, and Ron and Kathleen Wiltshire. Born in Brockville, Ontario and raised on a dairy farm in nearby Jellyby. Her father Harry Greaves was a farmer while her mother Ruth Greaves (nee Crandall) was a school teacher. Growing up with her brothers she enjoyed spending time with her cousins Barry and Joy Bowman. Her summers were often spent at Camp Hyanto where she met life-long friend Peggy McCaskill. Carrie had many fond memories with Peggy, especially the summer spent working on Niagara Island After graduation from Thousand Islands Secondary School she started her career at the Royal Bank in Brockville. After a couple years Carrie travelled to England where she lived and worked. Upon her return to Canada she resumed her career at Royal Bank and rose to the title of Supervisor. It was in this capacity she met a dear friend in Valerie Harvey. Valerie became a life-long travel-companion as her and Carrie took frequent trips together Living in Algonquin she met a friend that soon became family in Marg Weir. It was “Auntie” Marg who introduced her to a tall, handsome auctioneer named John Hands who was looking for a part-time clerk. John hired Carrie as a clerk and they soon fell in love, got married, and formed a strong and loving marriage. A dutiful mother to Jason and Matthew, Carrie did it all. She became a passionate sports fan, protector, nurturer and, when needed, a strict disciplinarian. She also became a beloved and cherished member of the Hands Family – John’s sisters tossed out the “in-law” title and referred to her only as a sister. Over the years Carrie not only became a respected local Auctioneer but also Provincial and National Champion in Auctioneering Competitions. She was featured on Canada AM, Wayne Rostad’s Country Report, and On the Road Again. Carrie’s dogged nature, charm and undeniable talent broke barriers in a typically male dominated profession. Locally Hands Auction won Brockville Area Business of the Year (2008) and Augusta Township Business of the Year (2012). Carrie was recognized for her community work with various awards such as The Paul Harris Fellowship Award, and the Canada 150 Medal which recognized her as a community builder. Carrie gave her time and leveraged her professional auctioneering skills to support the Brockville Women’s Network, Girls Inc, Canadian Aid for Chernobyl, Heart & Stroke, Brockville General Hospital, Palliative Care, and numerous other charities and causes. Carrie travelled extensively but was most happy at her cottage on Black Lake near Perth. She developed strong friendships especially with “The Yayas” and her Wine Groups but her most special and treasured relationships were reserved for her three granddaughters. An indomitable spirit and giving member of the community has left us. We will move on remembering her in our hearts and continuing to do good in her name. A small ceremony took place on July 28th at Barclays Funeral Home in Brockville. Donations to the Southeastern Ontario Cancer Centre can still be placed in Carrie’s name through the Barclays website. The Family wishes to send a special thank you to Kelly Thompson of Bayshore Home Health for her exemplary care that went over and above the call of duty. Special thank you to Bruce Wylie for his beautiful on-air tribute.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Carrie
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Barclay Funeral Home - Brockville
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