Born June 15,1934 - Died June 26,2004
(Dublin, Ireland) (Thornhill, B.C.)
Departed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, in the presence of her close family. Carmel passed away at the age of 70 years on June 26, 2004 in Thornhill, BC. Canada, in the loving arms of her husband Roy, of forty-nine years.
Carmel is survived by her husband Roy; daughter Shirley (Horace) Buck; sons - Roy C. and Lloyd N. Atrill: brother Charles A. Phelan: all of Thornhill, BC: sisters - Kathleen McDonnell of Manchester, England and Josephine (Fred) Johnston of Golden, BC; sister-in-law Sheila Phelan of Dublin, Ireland.
She was the beloved Grandma of Bernadette (Rod) Pelletier. Virginia Buck (Blaine Evans), Charlene (Adam) Brown, Lexine Atrill and Drew Atrill. Cherished Great-Grandma of Joshua and Annabelle Brown, and Eric Pelletier.
Carmel was predeceased by her father John Mathew Phelan: Mother Leonora Phelan (McCunnin), brothers - Bernard, Stephen, Francis, and Patrick Phelan.
Carmel came to Canada along with her older sister Josephine in July of 1953, sailing from Liverpool to Quebec aboard the Ascania-Cunard Shipping Lines. After working a short time in Toronto, she moved on to Terrace by rail (train), where she landed a job at the SilverTip Cafe on Kalum Street in the mid 50’s. It’s there that she met her future husband, Roy. The couple were married in 1955, and went on to raise three children.
Carmel had an eye for detail which came through in many ways. She was an avid seamstress and quilter; she loved to cook and was especially gifted at making jellies. Carmel appreciated a good read, a lyrical song, crossword puzzles, scrabble, solitaire, gardening and flowers. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved the aria of canaries.
We will remember Carmel (Mom) as a person who loved her family, her little doggies, enjoyed picnics and holiday gatherings, and as an adventurous young lady who came to Canada at a very young age. She was a very special person that filled our hearts and home with love and kindness.
Carmel was laid to rest in bright clothing that she had chosen in life, her favorite small deck of playing cards in her pocket, along with her dark sunglasses; made necessary by many years of failing eyesight.
A small service with close family and friends was held July 2 / 2004 at the Sacred Heart Parish. Interment followed at the Terrace Municipal Cemetery. Father Terry Brock presided over the ceremonies.
Pall Bearers: Roy C. Atrill, Drew Atrill, Adam Brown, and Rod Pelletier, all from Terrace and Thornhill.
Thank-you to everyone who has been a true friend, provided kind words, support and assistance.