Our beloved Carmen has set off on her next adventure. Wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, colleague, Carmen blessed us all with her presence. Her generosity, kindness—her fun-loving-up-for-anything-ness—made her irresistible. Despite failing health, she never lost those qualities. Yes, Carmen was a force. And she powered through her illness in inimitable Carmen style. If you know the song “Here’s To Life” by Shirley Horn, you’ll remember the lines: “As long as I’m still in the game/I want to play/For laughs, for life, for love.” That was certainly Carmen’s approach this past year. She loved to plan lunches, dinners, drinks (shout-out to the Bamboo Lounge), road trips, afternoons at the beach, walks in the forest, even a helicopter tour. She was, in effect, surrounding herself with the people she loved. She showed us how it’s done. Her final triumph? A heroic exit. Off she went. Her terms. Her way. Our darling Carmen. Lionheart. “Here’s to life. Here’s to love. Here’s to you.”
Thanks again to family and friends for all the love and support. We are also grateful for the exceptional medical care Carmen received from BC Cancer and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Milivi Tiislar and dear friends Nikki Moyles and Robyn Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made to BC Cancer or Make-A-Wish Canada. In keeping with Carmen’s wishes, we will scatter her ashes in East Sooke Park on February 3rd (weather permitting). Join us in June to celebrate Carmen’s life. Details for both events to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
26 Responses
On a cold dark snowy morning in Calgary a honda civic stopped and asked me if i wanted a ride. The driver of that car was Carmen. We became friends and from there the tour continued. Many happy memories. I admire her strength, grace and her beautiful smile.
Thinking of her family and many friends.
We will always miss her.
Tracy Bondarchuk (with much love from Otis)
That song so sums up Carmen. She was a classy lady and one that I always enjoyed talking to. She was bright, energetic and lovable and fun to be around. I’m sure everyone who happened in her path will be grateful for having known her.
Demetri:
Carmen touched me in a way that is hard to describe.You guys on one end of the country and us on the other.Two islands (Newfoundland and Victoria) that are too far apart in times like this especially. I wish we had had more time to be in each other’s physical presence but distance and health stuggles got in the way of us all being together.
Carmen showered us recently with thoughtful birthday presents. Her twin nieces and I all share the same birthday. Package after package kept arriving and the girls were so excited. Anna and Lili could feel her love.
Through my own recent illness and hospitalization she was there big time. Downplaying her own suffering. Texting daily. She was always cheering me on. We were rooting for each other. She lived her life in a way that it’s impossible for me not to admire her.
Love goes out to all who loved her and to Demetri and her parents and siblings and friends. She made such an impact on me when I needed it most. I’m only one but I know she moved many. Here’s to Life feels like it was written by and for her.
Love Carolyn
Carmen enriched my life in so many. I will keep her close to my heart always. Rest in peace sista.
Sorry for your loss Demetri. She was loved by all who knew her. RIP girlfriend.
RIP dear Carmen. My deepest condolences to family and friends. She was a light here on earth and she will continue to shine from above, in Carmen style of course!
A perfect description of my Dear long time friend! I feel Carmen wrote that song. Heartfelt condolences to Demetri and family! I miss her so much already but she will continue to inspire me until we meet again!
My heart breaks for you Demetri and for Gayle , Fred and all Carmen’s family and the many friends who loved her. She was indeed a force and the most sparkling, energetic and beautiful soul I had the immense privilege of knowing. She indeed showed us all how to live with courage , strength and love.
If I had only one word to describe my feelings, it would be grateful. For our friendship, her indomitable spirit, and her love. She is the common thread so many of use to connect to each other.
She is forever a part of me, and lives on through the ways she made me a better person.
See you on the patio sweetie, love you always. O.
Much Support to Family and Friends. Carmen added to all who she met and all who knew her!
Love, Light and Joy to All, in All ways and Always.
Gregg