Carreen died at home after a long battle with cancer; looked after by her daughters Julie (Collins) and Tracy (Rickett). Her good friend Mike was there to the end and brought her great comfort and many laughs. She also leaves sons Jim (Kelly) Nat (Jeannie), son-in-law Dale Rickett, Harvey Smith and her beloved grand children; Troy and Corey (Schonke), Chris and Cole (Rickett), Tyra and Bobbie (Collins) and Brennan and Natalie (Collins). She had two great grandchildren Ryanna Schonke and Presley Schalles.
Carreen and Jimmie left behind wonderful friends and family in Clinton when they moved to Lepetich Road in 1986. They filled the quarter section with a huge garden, chickens, ducks, geese, milk cows, pigs and neighbour kids. They hosted many dinners and fun gatherings.
She lost the love of her life in 1996 when Jimmie died, but she carried on and poured her energies into many pursuits. Carreen had a zest for life that was inspiring. She was a homemaker, gardener, hunter, artist, guide, fisher, farmer and horsewoman. She had an amazing ability to create things--her proficiency in crafts saw her host craft nights in the “blue” room for the neighbourhood women. She instructed the various activities with boundless energy and imagination. The house was decorated for every occasion and Carreen would greet you at the door, in costume. She loved to play games and children of all ages were attracted to her and her antics.
Besides her family, she was blessed in life with great friends; Mary, Arlene, Mike, Duff, Linda, Chris, Tom, Sandra, Kiefer, Ben, Danny, Lori, Trent, Clare, Brenda, Dave and Leslie, Cody and Dustin. They helped her in so many ways both before and during her illness. Her siblings from out of province kept in touch and brought her strength as well. She raved about the wonderful attention she received from the people involved in her care; the chemo staff, Dr. Helene Smith and the Fraser View Medical Staff, the pharmacy staff at Shoppers, the home care nurses and many more. She was grateful.
There will be a celebration of life tea
for Carreen from
1 to 4 pm on May 26th
at the Golden Centre,
401 Front Street.
All are welcome to attend.