Obituary of Carolyn Anne Riches

Carolyn Anne Riches passed away on Monday, January 14, 2019 at the age of 78. Almost two years after her husband Stanley.

Carolyn was born on August 10th, 1940 in Ottawa and named Iona Claire Forsyth. Her parents were Lena Irene Jessie Forsyth and Thomas John Botham. Lena was best friends with Thelma, Thomas's wife, but Lena and Thomas created Carolyn. Thomas and Thelma adopted Iona and renamed her Carolyn Anne Botham, with Thelma not finding out the truth of the paternity till several years later, which resulted in Carolyn's childhood not being the best, and Lena completely exiting her life a few years later.

Carolyn spent her first four years in the town of Smooth Rock Falls, then they moved to the families ancestral village of North Augusta. She was a voracious reader, a very active member of the Canadian Girls In Training, and often helped Thomas with his woodworking business. In 1963, Carolyn moved to Toronto to get away from Thelma. By November 1964, she had given birth to a daughter, fathered by a man she never named. Carolyn gave Joan Ethel Beatrice Botham up for adoption and unfortunately has not seen her since.

On September 3rd 1966, Carolyn married Stanley Riches in North Augusta, whom she had met in Toronto. On August 16 1967, Carolyn had twins, Derek and Dennis, who did not live past birth. They rebounded and had three sons, David, Paul, and Mark. Her husband of over 50 years, Stanley, passed away on January 20th 2017. It was only in the last two years that she learned the full truth and back story about her parentage, something she had long suspected, but also came with a few surprises as well.

Carolyn enjoyed reading and volunteer work for the Learning Disabilities Association of Etobicoke and Bloc Parents. She was also active in her faith, volunteering with the UCW (United Church Women) and the CWL (Catholic Women's League). Carolyn passed her love of reading onto her sons. She and Stanley traveled with their family all across southern Ontario, visiting many historical spots, as well as crisscrossing Toronto for the Caravan Festival in the 1970s and 1980s.

Carolyn is survived by her sons David, Paul, and Mark, and Paul's wife Mary-Anne. She is also survived by her half sisters June and Jane Browning, and her daughter Joan Ethel Beatrice Botham.

Carolyn will be laid to rest at St John's Dixie Cemetery on Sunday January 27th, 2019 in the Sandalwood Room. Public Visitation is from 10:15am to 11:15am. Funeral will be held from 11:15am to 12 noon. St. John's Dixie Cemetery is located at 737 Dundas Street East, Mississauga, Ontario, L4Y 2B5.