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
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Morgan McPherson
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Susan Israel 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.
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Richard L. Yaffe Carolyn and I attended Inkster School together from kindergarten to grade 3. In 1964, at the end of grade 3, Carolyn and I were the only two students from the entire school who were selected to move to Faraday School for the advanced Major Work program for grades 4, 5 and 6. We had already become close friends by then, but moving to a new school, where we knew nobody else, cemented our friendship. We were each other’s support. We both attended St. John’s for junior high and high school, but we lost touch when Carolyn’s family moved away from Inkster Boulevard to West Kildonan. We didn’t see one another again – until late August of this year at a Faraday major work reunion. It was a magical moment to hold one another after so many years. I am heartbroken. My deepest condolences to Gary and all of her family. Carolyn was a very special person.
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Ellen Darlene Torbiak I knew Carolyn and Gary back in the early 1970s and she was the most wonderful sweet person! I send condolences to Gary and family! I tried to connect on Facebook messenger last year and never heard back. So sorry to hear of your loss, Gary! Ellen Torbiak ( nee Erhart) I used to be friends with Alan Fedoruk
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Joanne Zarichney My condolences to Gary, Susan and their families on Carolyn’s passing. I worked with her at the Rentalsman’s Office in Winnipeg and we became good friends. Unfortunately we lost touch when she and Gary moved to BC, but I often thought of her and the many laughs and good times we shared. She was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed.
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Colleen Henzel (Rueb) Heartfelt sympathies to Gary, Susan, Dave and families on the loss of Carolyn. I was a neighbour and friend of the Pipers on Inkster and hung out with Carolyn on those long, hot summer days playing games and watching game shows on TV. Great memories were made! Although we lost touch over the years, I thought of Carolyn and her family often. Rest in peace, my friend….
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Catherine Rickey I knew Carolyn over 50 years ago from St. John’s High School in Winnipeg. We were great friends then but lost touch over the years only to rekindle our friendship this year while organizing for a high school reunion. I remember her as a smart, beautiful girl who was lots of fun. My sincere condolences to her family.
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Betty MacLean I was so lucky to have Carolyn in my life. She was such a loving person and her bravery and courage throughout her long illness was an inspiration to everyone. My heartfelt condolences to Gary and all the family in yet another great loss. She will be missed, but her memory never forgotten. Rest In Peace and be free from pain, my dear Carolyn.
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Gerri Piper and Jaimie, Kiel, Dez & Chayce Our sincere condolences to Gary and family also Susan and Dave and families. May Carolyn now rest in peace. Our prayers are with you all. Love and Hugs
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Tom & Brenda Piper Our sincere condolences on Carolyn’s passing. We had such an enjoyable visit this summer with Carolyn, Gary, Susan & Dave which is a very special memory.
Our thoughts are with you & your families.
Tom & Brenda
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Brittany Condolences from Brittany, Stephen Piper’s daughter and our immediate family to the rest of our extended family and loved ones. Another of our loved and cherished family members that have crossed to wait for us. Sending healing energy to everyone affected by this tragedy. Love and light to each of you. Carolyn, you were loved by many.
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Sharon Piper Carolyn was a very special person, she will truly be missed by many.
Stephen had a soft spot for Caroly, both of them suffered for many years.
They are now at peace.
God Bless!
Sharon Piper, Brittany, Michael and Chloe Johnson
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!