We share with great sadness that Dr. Jacqueline Anne Kyle Carlson (nee Smith) died peacefully with her daughter at her side in Toronto on Sept. 23, 2022. She is survived by her sister, Jean Kyle Smith of Shoreham, England; her daughter, Anna-Christina Carlson; son-in-law, Eric Whan; and grandchildren, Olive and Angus.
Born in Sewell, Chile, on May 20, 1933, to Nancy and Frank Smith; Jacqueline spent her childhood in the Andes before moving to England to attend boarding school. Jacqueline was a steadfast and accomplished woman. She studied medicine at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London (1956) and subsequently immigrated to British Columbia, Canada. From 1964 to 1965, Jacqueline worked in Singapore for the Singapore Ministry of Health. It was there that she married Dr. Mel Carlson with whom she remained close even after their marriage ended. After returning to Canada, she settled in Toronto, which much to her surprise became her permanent home.
Throughout her life, Jacqueline was always seeking to learn and grow. Originally specializing in pediatrics, she retrained as a microbiologist in her 40s and found her professional calling in epidemiology and public health with the Ontario Ministry of Health. In her 70s, she fulfilled a lifelong dream when she purchased a sailboat with her daughter and son-in-law on which she raced for a number of years. Even in her last years, her ideas and beliefs continued to evolve as she absorbed new information.
Jacqueline always loved and cared for her neighbours in all her neighbourhoods. She maintained friendships over many years and much distance. If she knew your birthday, she would be sure to send you well wishes every year. It goes without saying that to her family, she was an amazing sister, mother and grandmother. The love, support and acceptance that she gave was without measure. She will be deeply missed.
In memory of Jacqueline, donations to the Broad Reach Canada Foundation would be welcomed. Broad Reach provides access to sailing for youth who might not otherwise get the chance.