Carol Anne Louise Bench (née Deeks)

May 7, 1962 – August 8, 2026

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Anne Louise Bench (née Deeks) after a courageous battle with cancer. Our family has suffered another unimaginable loss with the passing of our beloved Carol.

Born on May 7, 1962, Carol was the seventh of eight children in the Deeks family. Her passing marks another heartbreaking chapter for our family, as she becomes the fourth Deeks sister to lose her life to cancer, far too young.

Carol’s greatest joy in life was her family. She leaves behind her beloved children, Lindsay Leclercq (Christian), Luke Smyth (Meagan), Justin Smyth (Jenny), Darren Bench (Emma), Jordan Jacklin, and her stepdaughter, Jennifer Eaton (Jay), all of whom held a special place in her heart. She was also an incredibly proud grandmother to her twelve grandchildren: Ethan, Xavier, Hunter, Faith, McKayla, Vanessa, Coltin, Owen, Cameran, Finley, Beau, and Kye. She loved them unconditionally, spoke of them often with pride, and treasured them more than words could express.

Carol is lovingly remembered by her sister, Hilary Leroux, and her brothers, David (Sandy), Richard, and Ian (Penny) Deeks. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Carol was predeceased by her father, Ronald Deeks, whom she lost when she was just sixteen years old, and by her beloved mother, Ivy Deeks, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond. Carol missed her mother every day and found comfort in the belief that they would one day be reunited in Heaven.

She was also predeceased by her sisters, Josephine (“Josie”) Deeks, Angela Smith, and her baby sister, Bobbie Modesto (Jim), whose passing just two years ago was especially difficult for Carol. She was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law, Don Leroux and Harvey Smith, and her sister-in-law, Edith Deeks.

Being part of the Deeks family was one of the most important things in Carol’s life. She never missed a Deeks family picnic or the annual Christmas party and always looked forward to being surrounded by those she loved.

Carol had a warm, outgoing spirit and enjoyed the company of family and friends. She loved singing karaoke, cheering on her beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, and had a special place in her heart for animals. Whether she was watching the Leafs, sharing stories, or enjoying a laugh with those around her, Carol appreciated life’s simple pleasures and the connections she made along the way.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the D’Agostino family — Jayna, Carol’s eldest niece, and her husband Vince, together with their daughters Rachel (Brandon) and Kaitlin (Rob) — for opening not only their home, but also their hearts to Carol during her final weeks. Jayna and Carol shared a special bond, and the unwavering love, compassion, and care shown by the entire D’Agostino family gave Carol the precious gift of spending her final days surrounded by family, comfort, dignity, and peace. Their kindness and selfless devotion will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

Carol will be deeply missed by her family, her many friends, and all whose lives she touched. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her beloved mom and dad, her sisters, and all those she loved and missed so dearly.

Our family finds a special sense of peace knowing that Carol passed away on August 8th, the same day as her beloved baby sister, Bobbie Modesto. Carol and Bobbie shared an extraordinary bond. Before Bobbie passed away, her heartfelt wish was that our family would watch over and care for Carol. It was a promise our family was honoured to keep, and we find comfort in believing they are together once again.

In keeping with Carol’s love and compassion for animals, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to a local animal shelter or rescue organization in her honour.

Carol’s laughter, her love of family, and her generous heart will remain with us always. Though she is gone from our sight, she will forever be part of every family gathering, every song sung, and every story shared.

Visitation at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home Wednesday August 12, 2026 2 - 4pm and 7 - 9pm. Funeral service at the Church of the Epiphany, Oakville Thursday August 13, 2026 at 11am.