Obituary of Caren Mary Surette

It is with deep and profound sadness that the family of Caren Surette wishes to announce her passing on May 02, 2024 at the age of 76 in the comfort of her home in Halifax. Caren was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and lived in Pinkney's Point, a small close knit fishing village in Southwest Nova. She left for Halifax in her late teens and spent the remainder of her life in the city she loved. Of course there were many trips to the Point over the years. Caren was the eldest daughter of Donald and June Surette. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Donald (2007) and June (2023) of Yarmouth, and survived by her long-time friend and companion Patricia Frayn; and four siblings: Suzann Fraser (Charles Symes), Moncton; Gregory (Dayle), Yarmouth; Daniel (Winnie), Ste. Anne de Ruisseau, Yarmouth County; and Veronica Tanner (Tom), Halifax and their children (respectively), Tammy and Terry; Kelcey and Ryan; Colette, Andre, Monique and Ginette, and Sarah and Tommy and their partners and children. Caren loved and cherished her family and her friends. Special love to the cherished "Coven." "What joy you brought to my life." Caren touched many with her generous spirit of heart and her loving approach to life. She was a caring and gentle soul with a deep faith in God. She loved and laughed easily and she was a good friend to everyone she met. Caren spent six years with the Sisters of Charity of Halifax working in senior care. Her greatest gift from her time spent with the Sisters was meeting her dear friend Cathy Todd, who has remained close to her heart to this day. Friend, travel companion, hostess at the "Green Palace." "We go back many years Cathy. Thank you for everything you did and brought to my life." Caren achieved a BA, BEd and MEd from St Mary's University. She taught elementary French and later, grade two at Hillside Park School until retiring. She held the staff at Hillside in the highest esteem. To the many students who passed through her life, "thanks for the memories!" Caren enjoyed cross country and downhill skiing, was an avid skater and walker and loved swimming in the Ocean. She skied throughout Nova Scotia, Quebec and the Rocky Mountains and cut up many lakes and ponds with her lightning racers, often stopping at local lakes, Kearney and Stillwater, on her way home from school. During her teaching years, Caren spent multiple March Breaks south in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. During several summers she also explored Europe and the British Isles as well as many parts of Canada. We all, including Caren, would like to extend our gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at the VG Cancer Clinic, VG Hospital Thoracic Unit and the staff on 6B, the QEIl Emergency and the 911 paramedics and the VON. Our heartfelt thank you to the special care of Dr Daniel French, Crystal Marsman, Monica Flynn, and Dr Maria Lang. You stand tall amongst the finest in health care. Caren wished to also thank those who sent prayers, kind thoughts, flowers, cards, gifts, and visited, made phone calls, texts and e-mails throughout her illness. You brought her much comfort and joy. Thank you. (From Caren: I participated in writing this summary and the most striking part of the process for me is the many, many other notes of recognition, enjoyable encounters and amazing experiences that belong here. Please know they will travel with me in my thoughts and in my heart. I invite you all to remember me and keep me alive in your memories and know that I will be smiling along with you. Cancer took my independence away and all those who offered support played a role in giving it back, especially Pat. She stood by me these last 4 years and cared for my every need and kept order in my life tending to the daily demands of living. Thank you Pat. I will be eternally grateful." La Paix el l'amour) Caren chose cremation and her ashes will be interred in Saint Raphael Parish Cemetery Pinkney's Point at a later date. If you wish, donations can be made to Esophageal Cancer Research or The Saint-Raphael Parish Cemetery, Pinkney's Point, Yarmouth County.