Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Carmen Martine
October 3, 1937 - May 6, 2020
Tribute
Carmen Marie Martine, née Laflamme: Born in Padoue, Québec, long-time resident of Duncan, BC, passed away May 6, 2020 at the age of 82 as a result of post-operative complications.
Predeceased by her parents J.Napoleón Laflamme and Albine Turgeon; second husband Dr. Mel Kunkel (2007-2013); first husband and father to Linda and David, Dr. Roland Jean-Marie Martine (Apr 18, 1960-Mar 16, 1981); siblings: Jean-Luc, Lucien, Eléonore, Camille, Gilberte, Yvon, Geraldine, Gilles, and Ghyslaine.
Survived and will be missed greatly by children Linda and David; sisters Colette and Janine; numerous nieces and nephews, in particular Carole Laflamme, US Navy Cpt. Colleen O’hara McLarnon (ret.); God Daughter Cynthia Quinn-McLarnon; many nieces and nephews. Carmen will also be greatly missed by neighbours and friends at Woodmere, St. Edward’s Catholic church, and Cowichan Seniors Community Foundation; most notably, dear friend Judy Gloster with whom Carmen, for years, saw almost every day.
Carmen was the youngest of 12. In 1947, her family moved from Padoue to Saint-Romuald on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence, across from Quebec City, with a 1955 move across the river to Quebec. In 1958 Carmen worked as Secretary for the Quebec Labour Minister, Donat Quimper, and married Roland Jean-Marie Martine, MD April 18, 1960. Shortly after they moved to Flint Michigan for Roland’s 2 years residency before moving to Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, for Roland’s first medical practice with his university friend and second cousin, Maurice Creurer. Adoptions of Linda 1963, David 1965, then in 1969 they moved to Duncan for Roland’s second practice. Flint, along with earlier trips to Detroit to help her sister Eléonore with her children, supported Carmen’s efforts to learn to speak English to help promote Roland’s new medical practice in English speaking Canada.
Carmen was a woman of many talents – entertaining, home design, gardening, dancing and cooking. Curling with Roland in both Meadow Lake and Duncan, taking turns hosting bridge with Joan Wakelin and others. Carmen had great memories of volunteering with her old, now also departed friend Timmie Laugheed at the 1994 XV Commonwealth Games, Victoria. With Mel, Carmen wrote the popular book “Best of the Large Print Cookbooks” with CNIB in mind, to help the visually challenged. Carmen baked countless Yule log cakes and tourtière meat pies for school or church fundraisers – labours of love, but results loved by all. She later worked very hard, with spices and leaner meats, on a new, healthier tourtière recipe that would be equally as delicious as the original – she succeeded and it’s in the book for all to see.
One of the many things people remember about Carmen is that she was a very beautiful and stylish woman. A trip to the store, even just for milk, was no excuse not to be looking her best and you’d never see her eating off of a tray either – plates go on tables, she would say. This is not to say she wouldn’t tackle any job herself – in fact, while Dad was the GP Surgeon, the tools in the house were Mom’s – nevertheless, she’d say there was no reason to not have cute boots and matching gloves while on the job.
Linda and David would like to thank their mother’s nurses and doctors at Victoria General Hospital for their care of their mother, who held medical professionals in the highest regard.
A Celebration of life service, TBA – to learn of updates, please email the following:
d_ppm@yahoo.com
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to BC Cancer Foundation
http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/CarmenMartine
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Martin Le Sauteur
Relation: Aunt
I will have precious souvenirs from Carmen, especially my summer spent with the family in Duncan. That summer in engraved in my memory, coming back with a young puppy called Lucky sitting I the cockpit of the airplane from Vancouver to Montreal with Carmen’s friend Harrold who was the pilot. She organised everything. Owning a dog was my dream and she made it come true. I have never seen her without a smile, brought joy with her everywhere she went. I will miss you “Matante Carmen”
From: Francois Belzile
Relation: Nephew
Dear cousins David and Linda. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences. It must be particularly challenging to grieve under the current circumstances. I find solace in the certainty that Carmen was surrounded (as much as possible) by her loved ones in her final moments.
From: Evan Seal
Relation: Friend
Sincere condolences to you and your family, David.
From: Jeannine Laflamme
Relation: Soeur
We refused to believe, we hoped for a little while and then , we had to resign ourselves, Carmen has gone..
She leaves us there, abandoned, empty and overwhelmed with sadness all of us, family and numerous friends, heart pierced. A terrible void has lodged in me and I lack words to express my grief. What a painful ordeal for both of you. Her kindness , generosity, courtesy and love of life were her trademark. All our memories , joys and small sorrows will remain engraved forever. Accept my condolences and know if you need to reminisce , I will always be there..Sincerly
From: Marielle Laflamme
Relation: Nièce
Carmen
À la voir foncer dans la vie avec son allure et son audace de jeune première, on l’a croyait éternelle…..mais la vie nous joue de vilains tours.
Quel privilège d’avoir eu une tante comme elle. Quel bonheur c’etaIl de la recevoir et d’être reçue.
Femme d’action aux multiples talents, femme déterminée qui a dû parfois traverser des chemins moins fréquentés, femme de cœur et de grâce à l’accueil toujours chaleureux.
Je revois ces yeux pleins de charme qui semblaient me dire, sans prétention, « regarde le bonheur, il ressemble à ça ».
De beaux souvenirs d’elle sont gravés dans ma mémoire. J’offre mon affection et mes condoléances à Linda et David
From: Monelle Laflamme
Pour Colleen et David, une pensée pour mettre un baume sur votre peine.
La perte d’un être cher est toujours douloureuse. J’en suis venue à me dire que la seule vrai façon de les garder vivant dans notre coeur, c’est en transmettant à ceux que l’on aime et qui nous entourent, les valeurs qu’ils nous ont inculqués au fil du temps et qui font de nous de meilleures personnes.
Ainsi, nous passons un peu d’eux-mêmes à ceux que l’on aime.
Tendresse….Monelle
From: Monelle Laflamme
To Linda and David
My previous message was addressed for you both. Sorry for the mistake.
Love Monelle.
From: Robin Duke
Relation: Friend
I’m so sorry to hear that Carmen has passed away. She was a favourite customer of mine at Power Lunch. We saw her often with Judy, deciding on and then sharing a sandwich. I know that you will all miss her and so will Judy.
She was a lovely woman always ready with a smile.
From: Ralph
Reading about your mom, she seems like she was an absolute treasure of a woman, and mother. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss Davey, my heart goes out to you. Please take good care, looking forward to seeing you again.
From: Colleen O'Hara McLarnon
Relation: Niece
Linda and David, your 4 cousins in Florida are so saddened by the loss of your vibrant and active mom. We always enjoyed her visits, especially when she came here to be with Eleonore. We send you our condolences and prayers for this difficult time.
Much love, Colleen, Cynthia, Marc, Brian, and families.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.com/ or 250-715-2630
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Carmen Martine
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
