Trent University Mourns the Loss of Beloved Professor Emerita Dr. Carolyn Kay
An esteemed History professor and researcher, Professor Kay also served as principal of Lady Eaton College at Trent
The Trent community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Carolyn Kay, professor emerita and past principal of Lady Eaton College (LEC).
Described by colleagues as the “heart and soul” of the History department, Professor Kay joined the University in 1990 and dedicated a remarkable 32-year career to Trent, before retiring in August 2022.
Prof. Kay is remembered for her fierce commitment to students, natural talent as an educator, and ability to foster an empathetic and inclusive classroom environment. Her energy, enthusiasm, and deep caring for the Trent community showed through her numerous awards and significant role in inspiring and nurturing student passions.
As principal of LEC from 2010 to 2012, Prof. Kay also played a strong role in college life, prioritizing the student experience and supporting the artistic flair at the heart of LEC.
For her remarkable dedication to teaching, Prof. Kay was awarded multiple accolades, including the prestigious Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2005, the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association teaching award in 2007, and the Trent Teaching Fellowship in 2017.
“Carolyn always led by example, encouraging students to engage, take chances, ask for help, and take action. She embodied the social justice spirit of LEC in her research and teaching, which included creating the Max Eisen Lecture in Holocaust Studies series,” said Dr. Christine Freeman-Roth, principal of Lady Eaton College. “Carolyn was, at her core, a teacher and her legacy is the way she inspired her students. Through them, and inviting survivors like Max Eisen to share their stories with students, I like to think Carolyn will continue to teach and inspire generations to come.”
To honour her memory and legacy at Trent, donations can be made to the Max Eisen Lecture in Holocaust Studies, the lecture series Prof. Kay played a pivotal role in initiating, aimed to honour her dear friend Dr. Eisen.
Prof. Kay is survived by her husband, Tom Childs, and son, Sebastian.
“There are not enough words to describe what an extraordinary, kind, wonderful wife, mom and person she was,” said Tom. “She loved teaching at Trent for 32 years and she loved her students.”
The University extends heartfelt sympathies to Prof. Kay’s family and friends, and all who knew her at Trent. Members of the Trent community are invited to leave messages and memories about Prof. Kay on the obituary webpage.
A public memorial service for Prof. Kay will be held on Friday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church (99 Brock Street) in Peterborough. The service will also be live streamed on the church's Facebook page. A reception will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Ashburnham Funeral Home (840 Armour Road).