It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Carol on July 20,2022. Who went peacefully to sleep at Concordia Hospital at the age of 71.

 

She is predeceased by her mother Laura, father Frank, brother’s Richard and Frank, and sister Julie, as well as her husband Brian. She is survived by her oldest brother David, her children David (Vanessa) and daughter Tammy. All her grandchildren Cassandra, Michael, Matthew, Charlee and Declan. Her close family friend Kirk, Leo her cat, as well as many close family relatives and friends.

 

Carol was very proud of her family. There was nothing more important to her than her children and grandchildren. Carol's love, generosity and laughter will live on through everyone she has left behind.

 

Loving wife of 45 years to Brian Burns who passed away November 2014. Together they had built an amazing life filled with many memories.

 

Carol was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba one of five children born to Laura and Frank Serafin. In addition to her immediate family her life was full of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins’ many of which she enjoyed close relationships throughout her life. She would often reminisce of the many family gatherings and things they had done. She especially loved Christmas, the decorations, the large meals, laughter and stories as they all came together.

 

Growing up Carol touched many lives, she enlightened our interests, took us to school, babysat, took us to sports, swimming lessons, camping and so much more. She was often a chauffeur to many extra curricular activities always volunteering herself or her husband to drive us somewhere or pick us up.

 

She was always doing things she loved dabbling a little of everything, gardening, DIY projects, an avid reader of love novels, cooking and baking, and enjoyed showing kids how to bake cookies. She could often be found in her kitchen trying a new recipe or hemming or patching someone’s clothes up. She was an avid shopper always looking for the next great deal. Hosting many numerous birthday parties, sleepovers and holiday gatherings, loving the traditions with big family dinners.

 

Her compassion was endless always a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to wipe away tears, there to celebrate your victories and cheering you on from the sidelines.

 

Her eyes lit up when she played bingo or heard the coins falling from the slot machines. She had a passion for animals and loved cats and dogs, which was seen by the all the family pets we had.

Amongst the many outings and activities, she participated in, traveling became a passion, Disney World, Mexico , multiple cruises to name a few, showing her love for life and creating memories to cherish forever.

 

Carol graduated from Gordon Bell and then went on to try many different things before settling into her career of 30 years with the WRHA. She was a waitress in her mother's restaurant, a real estate agent for a while, worked for taxation in the government of Canada. With each job learning new skills and finally settling as a health care aide touching many people's lives and treating her clients like family.

 

Her dedication to those she cared for was reflected in the many, many years she spent as a caregiver for her mother, then her husband as he battled cancer. She showed so much love and compassion during this period it embroidered her spirit to give all to those she loved.

 

Life, through Carol many curve balls and instead of enjoying retirement Carol spent the last five years fighting cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's one curve ball after the next. She never gave up fighting but cancer finally won the battle and she went fiercely into the night where she peacefully joined her lost but not forgotten family in the great beyond.

 

I'M FREE

 

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God has laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all,

I could not stay another day,

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I found peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joys,

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

O yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savoured much,

Good family, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it with undue grief,

Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee,

God wanted me now. From pain I'm free.

 

Her family would like to thank all the staff at Concordia Hospital on ME2. They took care of her when we couldn’t, showing her compassion and empathy in her last few weeks of life. We'd also like to thank St. Boniface Hospital on 4E who helped figure out what was going on with her the last few months and showing their grace, kindness and empathy in the battles of her disease. Lastly, the staff at Rosewood Retirement home especially in Fernwood house. They helped cultivate friendships, showed compassion and help residents live life to their fullest. They brought joy to our mother, making her laugh, helping her play bingo, make new friends, and bring a smile to her face with their warm gestures and friendly compassion. They were awesome and we hope they realize they make a difference in a family's life.

 

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. 

 

Carol's family kindly requests that all of her relatives and friends take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories and stories in the comment section.