Peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025 in the early morning hours, Mom passed away with family by her side.
She was predeceased by her parents Donald and Dora Carman and her father and mother- in- law Carl and Albertine Brocker. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years Martin and their three children Darryl, Jeff, and Michelle (Wayne). She is survived by her four grandchildren Madison, Derek (Alex), Carter (Tansy) and Tyson (Jorja). She leaves her great grandchildren Calliope and Julianna. Also survived by brothers Barrie (Joanne), Morris (Elsie), sister Lorraine (Terry). Her sisters – in law Vicky Baril and Josie Brocker and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom was born on January 24, 1942 to Donald and Dora Carman of Inwood, Manitoba. The eldest of four children. On November 14, 1964 her life with Dad began and on October 19, 1965 they welcomed their first born son Darryl and on March 2, 1967 their second son Jeff and on March 26, 1968 their daughter Michelle. Their family was complete and this allowed Dad to start building a life for us with a new home that same year and their farm life began. Dad worked in Winnipeg for a few years then farming became his full-time job. Mom stayed home to raise their kids and when needed square baled for Dad with the old 830 Case Tractor.
Mom loved to curl that was the sport she excelled in, skipping her own rink and enjoyed until getting into the hack was too hard to get out of. She curled at Teulon Curling Club and also curled in several bonspiels in the area and the famous all night bonspiels in Inwood. Mom loved to fish, not in a boat, she was scared of water but from shore when we brought in the catch for supper. We spent many weekends up at Lake St. George with good friends and family.
Mom loved to travel she was fortunate in her life to travel to Germany with Dad and connect with family which we still do to this day. We would travel in the truck and camper to Disneyland, Disney World and places in between. The best vacation we had was travelling to Mazatlan in our motorhome with Uncle John and Kirsten. That was a trip none of us will forget. Mom made sure we saw places that would make memories and we would never forget. I remember travelling on the train from Winnipeg to Halifax and then borrowing our friend’s car and going over on the ferry to Prince Edward Island. We saw Anne of Green Gables live and will never forget that experience and the memories I hold.
In later years Mom and Dad would spend there winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico until their health didn’t allow. Mom looked forward to those winter trips every year. Mom’s greatest accomplishment was being a caregiver for others. In the mid 80’s she looked after her uncle Bill in our home until he was admitted to hospital. She then looked after our grandma Brocker for several months until her health declined and she moved to Brandon with her daughter. That was her calling in life and made her feel needed. When my grandma passed away, she felt she needed to take a new direction in life so she took the homecare attendant course and started working for homecare. She worked for homecare for 15 years until she was unable to do the work and her health didn’t allow it. In 2018 she moved into Gateway Manor to better manage herself and her health. She continued to drive uptown to Blue Skies bakery for coffee everyday. She would sit with her coffee crowd, Vern Slater, Doreen Demianiw just to name a few and talk about what was happening in town and what crisis was happening in the world and why there was no peace and happiness. At the end of June, she was admitted to E.M. Crowe Hospital in Eriksdale and remained until her placement in Fisher Branch PCH. She knew at this point living in a carehome was not how she wanted to live life. She always lived life on her terms and that she was in control. That’s the way she wanted it and that’s when she made her decision that she wanted to live in peace. Our family would like to thank Eriksdale Hospital for the excellent care she received while there and making sure she was given all the opportunities to make her own decisions.
Our family would like to thank Fisher Branch Care Home and all the staff in every department for giving your attention and love to our mom. You all made her last days dignified and respectful. I hold all of you in high regard for everything you all did for her to make her end of life pain free and comfortable. I knew in my heart that the only facility we wanted her to live out her days was in Fisher Branch. You all showed our family what true caring and kindness is all about. To Mathew, Cici, Sharon, Gilbert and Candy you are the nursing staff that I cannot express how professional and caring you all were towards our mom. You showed what true nurses are all about and I cannot tell you how grateful I am towards the care you gave her. We are truly thankful. Our complete respect goes out to you all. Thank you is not enough words to express our gratitude.
Rest in peace Mom we hope you are at rest and can be free. Fly high Mom we love you!!
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Windsor Cemetery, Teulon.
All are welcome to attend.