Obituary of Carol Mae Gomes

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Carol Gomes, age 85, mother, grandmother, aunt, confidante, supporter and true friend. She died in the arms of her loving children on Saturday, June 29, at the Halifax Infirmary, after a short illness.

She will be missed more than words can say by daughters Stephanie (Peter), Jackie (Peter), Lisa (Wendie) and Gina (Garth) and son Philip.

Born into a farming family from Colchester County, the 4th daughter of the late W. Parr and Hazel (Hollett) McFadden, Carol graduated from South Colchester County High School then left the family farm in Stewiacke to start her career in Halifax. There she met the love of her life, Stephen Gomes, who became captain in the Canadian Coast Guard. They were happily married for 51 years and blessed with five children.

Carol cherished her role as a stay-at-home mom while working as a Mary Kay consultant; she was later employed until retirement by Scotia McLeod. She was active in the community, volunteered for many years as softball coach and was a long-standing member of Woodlawn United Church and the I.O.D.E and a practitioner of Tai Chi.  

Her annual visits to Barbados with Dad were always eagerly anticipated and her love of travel continued well into her 80's. She treasured time spent with her girls and the laughter that always ensued.

Carol devoted her life to her family and we thrived on her great sense of humour, her generosity, kindness and unwavering support.  She attended countless concerts, recitals, graduations and sporting events for her children and grandchildren. We still smile remembering her cheering from the sidelines in her floor length fake fur coat, occasionally yelling at the referee.

She handled with grace the challenges of marriage to a Coast Guard captain who might be at sea for months at a time, although she and our dad weathered every storm. We are comforted imagining them together again.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Stephen and her two brothers Ronald and Donald.  She is survived by her sisters Lila, Phyllis, Audrey and Effie and one brother Albert, 10 grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Dr. Gordon Gubitz and his team and the caring and compassionate nursing staff on 7.4 at the Halifax Infirmary.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 5, 2019 at 1:00 pm, both will be held in the Woodlawn United Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Woodlawn United Church.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).