October 1969 – January 2020
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dominica Sweet (Konken). For many years, she journeyed courageously and gracefully with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was a source of light, joy and compassion, and lived her life fully until her passing on January 30th, with her family at her side.
Dom is survived by her husband, Derek; children Jackson (Tianna), Harrison; parents Frank and Ruby Konken; siblings, Stefanie (Peter) Zaytsoff, Frank (Brenda) Konken, Jamie (pre-deceased Anita) Konken; father in-law, Norman (pre-deceased Maida) Sweet; sisters-in-law, Laurie (Bobby) Sweet, Allison Sweet, Cindy (Bryan) Shier; her cats, Betty and Veronica; and dog, Roxy. Dom will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by family, friends and relatives.
Dominica was a Halloween baby, born on October 31, 1969 in Grand Forks, B.C. to proud parents, Frank and Ruby Konken. Dominica lived in the community she loved through graduation from Grand Forks Secondary School after which her path continued in Victoria, B.C.
Dom’s career began in ’94 after attaining her B.Sc at UVIC and RT certification at SAIT. Her entire career as a Respiratory Therapist was spent at the Royal Jubilee and Vic General Hospitals, until illness forced her to focus her energy on health.
Dom first met her soul-mate Derek Sweet in 1995 and they were married a year later in Victoria where they resided for a number of years before choosing to move to Saltspring Island . There Dom embraced the community and it embraced her, with open arms. Not long after, in 2000, Dom’s and Derek’s first son Jackson was born, followed by Harrison, two years later. Her two sons were always at the centre of Dom’s heart; she often volunteered to help in school events and fundraisers, and could always be found in the bleachers at any of their sporting endeavors. Dom’s other passion was fitness and seeking natural alternatives in health as well as encouraging others on their own journeys. As a result, she founded Dom’s Deodorant, which became a way for her to help others attain their natural health goals. There are so many fond memories of various celebrations, parties and gatherings with friends, family and co-workers during their many years together, memories that will always be cherished.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at Sion Cemetery in Grand Forks, BC on February 29 at 12:00, followed by a luncheon at the Grand Forks USCC Community Centre. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saltspring Island, BC at the Community Gospel Church on March 7 – doors open at 2:00 pm and Celebration will start at 3:00 pm.
Sincere appreciation to all those who have relayed kindness and support in so many ways.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dom’s memory may be made to Hodgkins Lymphoma Society of Canada at https://www.lymphoma.ca/lymphoma/hodgkin-lymphoma
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.McCallGardens.com.
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Halim
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Alice L Henderson Hi Derek, Harrison, Jackson and your families. I’m so sorry to hear if Doms passing. It’s never easy losing a spouse and a parent to young teens. I know that she’s confiritsbkenand will always be watching down on you.
I’m sorry I cannot make it to the service in Saturday as I have to attend one here at same time.
Thoughts and prayers to you all. I’m only a call away Derek if you need me.
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Tracey Cobane Derek, Jackson, Harrison and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing, wonderful and strong lady Dominica was. She will be deeply missed by many.
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Ken Pungente Goodbye to you my Airway Angel. Your paths had a few bumps but you lived it to the fullest. What a wonderful inspiration you are to so many people. To Derek, Jackson, Harrison, I share your loss. Ken Pungente
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LeeAnn Norgard Dear Derek, Jackson, and Harrison, and all of Dominica’s family,
We have been so fortunate to have bathed in the light of the amazing Dominica, and I will miss her shining light. Most of my fond memories are from our times on the sidelines of the soccer games, watching our boys play through the years. May her light shine on through you and through us all, and may you be comforted in knowing all the love she gave will not be forgotten,LeeAnn, Sean, Davin and Owen Norgard
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Dawne Sullivan Derek, Jackson and Harrison,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will cherish every minute I was able to spend with Dom. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met and a true joy to be in the presence of.
She will continue in the memories that all that loved her.Love, Dawne Sullivan and Family
(Ontario)
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Carla and Michael Kenny Dear Derek, Harrison and Jackson,
Our hearts are with you . We are so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother.
We did not know her well personally but heard so many great things about her over the years that we know she was an amazing, beautiful woman. She was admired and loved by so many and we hope that this love will help you through your difficult time.
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Robert Hann Dear Derek,
So sorry for your loss.
Losing a loved one is never easy even if you have fore warning, as I well know from my own experience with my son.
The only comfort I can offer is to say that time is a great healer, and the pain does diminish over time. Both my wife Lavinia and I send you our heartfelt condolences.
Kindest regards
Bob & Lavinia Hann
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Donna Semenoff Dearest Dominica,
Time spent with you was a gift – your dedication, kindness, friendship, and beauty were appreciated!
Sending you love. May you rest in peace.
Sending love and strength to your family and all your loved ones.
You will be forever in our hearts,
Donna
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Margaret Sullivan-More Warmest love and hugs from .so many beautiful memories, so much love .. for ever. Love , warmest love to all for ever
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Anne Kehler So sorry to hear about your daughter.
May she rest in Peace.
Our condolences.
Frank & Ruby, May God be with you.Anne Potapoff-Hlookoff-Kehler.
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Roy and Ann Bader Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank,Ruby and all your family…From your former neighbours in the valmar sub.
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Dawn Sheldrick McLean To the Sweet and Konken Families,
I am so saddened to hear about Dominica’s passing.
I met Dom @ UVIC when we were in the biology programme and was instantly drawn to her friendliness, kindness, and intelligence. She was a genuinely beautiful person inside and out. She was always lots of fun to be around and I always enjoyed crossing paths with her over the years ; in the inner harbour as we worked at our summer jobs and later at the the Jubliee when she was in respiratory therapy and I was in radiation therapy.
I can’t imagine the loss you are all feeling. Dom brightened everywhere she went. I feel blessed to have known her. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Dawn Sheldrick McLean
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The Deans We are so blessed to know this beautiful lady. We’ve been so inspired by Dom’s kindness, thoughtfulness, humour and zest for living. Thank you Dom for the gift of your presence and light. We carry you in our hearts and hope upon hope to see you in the next life. Thank you Dom for showing us how to really embrace life. Our hearts go out to Derek and the boys who undoubtedly feel your passing the most. Much love to you all. Darcy, Yvonne and gang.
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Wendy Dear Derek and family,
I am so so sorry to hear about Dom. Although I didn’t know her well, she was an amazing wife and mom from what I hear and will be missed. My heart goes out to you. ❤️ Big hugs,
Wendy (Ronne) Isherwood xo
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Julianna Slomka My condolences to all her loved ones both family and friends. I only met Dom a few times and felt her beautiful light glow from within. My heart goes out to her boys Jackson and Harrison who are always kind and respectful young men.
School bus #5
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Mari-Lyn Costello Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time of great loss.
Doug and Lyn Costelli
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Danielle Herbertson Dear Derek, Jackson, Harrison and family,
We’re thinking of you all and sending you our deepest sympathies. We remember meeting Dom for the first time at your wedding, Derek, and the joy in your hearts could be felt by everyone around you. She was a beautiful girl in every sense of the word, and you created a wonderful life together. I’m so glad I got to see your family at Cindy and Bryan’s housewarming party, and spend time with Dom and the girls last summer. I’ll always treasure those memories. Her positivity throughout her illness was really remarkable. Her love for her family was so apparent, and that love is something you can carry with you forever. Wishing you all peace in your hearts, lovely memories of happy times, and the comfort of warm hugs.
Love, Danielle, Gary and the girls
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Helen Stark-Hill Sending our condolences to Derek, Jackson, Harrison and families. You are in our thoughts and prayers
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Jim & Barbara Meldrum As I think of Dom, I remember her big smile and welcoming hug, the first time we met. Those hugs were so strong and warmed the heart.
Her positive attitude, her warmth, her perseverance throughout her health battle, her love for all of you, and you for her, will remain in your hearts forever.
We so wish that we could be with you all at this time.
Love Auntie Barb & Uncle Jim
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Katherine Hansen Sending our condolences to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
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Rob Heppell Derek, Jackson, Harrison and families.
It is so sad to hear about the passing of Dom. She was a beautiful person both in and out. She was always so positive and always focused on the good side of things – I can’t remember her ever complaining – even about her illness.
We had so many good times back in the Royal Oak days, riding motorcycles, enjoying the sun and drinks on the deck – and especially Merritt with the Cronks and Kegger.
I am sure that her positiveness and light will continue on in her family and generations to come. We will miss you Dominator!
Love Hepp and the Heppells.
Sister Dominica is a heart filled with love and kindness. Thank you for a precious encounter! Bye for now sister Dominica until we meet again. Halim Ouhammou
Of Love
I have been in love more times than one,
thank the Lord.
Sometimes it was lasting
whether active or not.
Sometimes it was all but ephemeral,
maybe only an afternoon,
but not less real for that.’
They stay in my mind,
these beautiful people,
or anyway beautiful people to me,
of which there are so many.
You and you and you,
whom I have the fortune to meet,
or maybe missed.
Love, love, love, it was the core of my life,
from which of course comes the word for the heart.
And, oh, have I mentioned
that some of them were men and some were women’
and some – now carry my revelation with you –
were trees.
Or places.
Or music flying above the names of their makers.
Or clouds, or the sun
which was the first, and the best,
the most loyal for certain,’
who looked so faithfully into my eyes, every morning.
So I imagine such love of the world –
its fervency, its shining,
its innocence and anger to give of itself
I imagine this is how it began. Mary Oliver