It is with broken hearts that the family announces the passing of Carolyn Patricia Haines (née Piper). Carolyn passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Gary; son, Steve (Tanya) and grandchildren Owen, Nicholas and Aurelia; sister, Susan (David Bewick); and many friends, in-laws, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and
grand nephews.
Carolyn was predeceased by her father, Alfred Piper and mother (Else Schaefer, formerly Piper). She grew up in Winnipeg, MB; attended Faraday, Inkster and St. John’s Schools and graduated from West Kildonan Collegiate. She very much enjoyed being part of the Faraday School reunion, which was held this past summer. Carolyn and Gary were married in Winnipeg, MB on July 6, 1974. In Winnipeg, she worked with the Manitoba Rentalsman office, Dunwoody & Co., Dominion/Sudak and the Royal Bank. Gary and Carolyn moved to Nanaimo, BC in 1988 where she worked at Snip ‘n Stitch and then moved to Victoria, BC in 2008.
Her creativity and talent were manifested in the countless personalized gifts she presented to her family and friends and in the awards and recognitions she received for her quilting projects. Unfortunately, in later years, her illness prevented her from continuing the hobby she very much loved. Always thoughtful and caring, she unfailingly remembered and honoured the special occasions of family and friends. Carolyn took great pride in her more than 25 years of volunteer work with the Auxiliaries at the Nanaimo General Hospital and the Victoria General Hospital. In Victoria, she was one of the organizers of the annual poinsettia fundraiser. She cherished the relationships she established in her volunteer endeavors.
Her family was her greatest joy. She very much enjoyed the time spent with Gary, Susan and David in the warmth and sunshine of her favorite travel destination, Hawaii. She hosted many family get-togethers, always organizing entertainment for the young ones. She provided an unwavering foundation to her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. She was their confidante, cheerleader, guide and role model. Carolyn always had a great sense of humour and was always the first to laugh, even at jokes made at her expense. She loved cooking with her grandkids, teaching them to sew, playing games and puzzling with them.
Carolyn courageously battled CREST for the greater part of her life. She never complained, yet endured some of the most challenging effects that the disease presented.
To view the service, please click the video below:
If you would like to commemorate Carolyn, please make a donation to the Victoria General Hospital Auxiliary.
Condolences may be offered to the family at:
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
I had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn and helping her thrive despite her medical challenges several times over the last couple of years. I loved talking with her (and Gary!), hearing about her grandkids (I think one was born on a day we were working together), and getting to know the wonderful woman she was. She was creative, loving, and hard working as I knew her, and Gary, I am so sorry for your loss. Everyone she touched at Adanac is as well. All my love!
Carolyn was my dear friend. We first met in Grade Seven at St. John’s High School. She was the sweetest person. We lost touch after high school but reconnected recently with the help of her sister Susan, and we got together in person this past May when I visited her and Gary at their place on Vancouver Island. My heartfelt condolences to Gary and Susan and their families. Rest in peace, Carolyn. Love always.