CAROLYN GELHORN

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CAROLYN GELHORN March 3, 1944 - May 1, 2007 As we joyfully celebrate her life, Carolyn is remembered for her ability to love unconditionally, for her generosity, wisdom, and willingness to offer advice, but primarily for her free spirit. Those close to Carolyn remember her as a risk-taker, she never knew a challenge she didn't face head on or a slot machine she didn't love. She carried on her mother's tradition by cooking for her family and friends. Many people will fondly remember the shared times around a table of fabulous West Indian cuisine. Carolyn was born in Winnipeg and she was proud to have been raised in the North End and never lost the thrill of searching for that ever elusive bargain. Her parents, George and Elsie Gelhorn, stepdad Jack Lang, her eldest sister Eileen Kern, and her granddog Berkley predeceased her. Carolyn is survived by her daughter Shawna, the light of her life, and her daughter-in-law Lori, whom she adored; her granddog Akbar, her sister Georgina and brother-in-law Bruce Thomson; nephews, Peter, Ian, Brandt, and Blair; nieces, Brenda and Belinda, whom she considered daughters; great-nieces and nephews, Heather, Melissa, Ryan, Amber, Adam, Haley, Candy, and Caylee; and great-great-nieces and nephews, Hannah, Nathan, Emma, Rhett, and Xander. Along with her immediate family she will be missed by many people but especially cousin Lorraine Warsaba and Auntie Mary Schmidt - two of her favourite people; her Godmother Helen Gelhorn; and her chosen family Lynda Boxall, Marilyn Praznyk, Gail Martin, Heidi Streu, and Theo and Annette Vanderzwan. As a young, single mom she beat the odds, went back to school and completed her grade 12 and ultimately earned her Bachelor of Education degree. She began her teaching career in the River East School Division in 1970 and made lifelong friends. Her second career sent her on a new journey into the world of sales and marketing with Pitney Bowes where she achieved great success. The transition from the classroom to the sales room shaped her into a feminist before it was cool to be one. Carolyn also discovered that the only way to acquire complete control was to become an entrepreneur. She founded Carshaw Inc. and became a Canadian Who's Who as a female inventor. Carolyn's strength and generous spirit found her giving back by volunteering for many years at Klinic Community Health Centre in their sexual assault crisis program. She was proud of her role as the Executive Producer of the film, Beyond: Surviving the Reality of Sexual Assault. This training film was nominated for two Blizzard film awards and is still being used today. Carolyn had a passion for writing and wrote many screen plays. She loved nothing more than being at the lake, sitting on the dock with her precious Akbar in her lap, and contemplating her next plot line. Unless of course it was having coffee every Friday morning in Texas with Brenda (they had good long distance plans), holding Court in The Pit or organizing something to improve efficiencies. Despite her exciting careers she believed her greatest achievement was being a mom. Carolyn and her daughter Shawna, the dynamic duo, shared many adventures at home and abroad. They were best friends and there was nothing they were afraid of as long as they could face it together. They were an integral part of each other's lives and the magic of their relationship will transcend this level of consciousness. Special thanks to Lori, Brenda, and Lynda for the loving support they provided to Carolyn over the past several months. At Carolyn's request there will be no memorial service. Her family and friends will find unique ways to celebrate her life. If friends so desire a donation in Carolyn's name can be made to Riverview Health Center Foundation, Palliative Care Program, One Morley Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. The following is one of Carolyn's favourite writings: We are travelers on a cosmic journey - stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. But the expressions of life are ephemeral, momentary, transient. Guatama Buddaha, the founder of Buddhism, once said, This existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds. To watch the birth and death of beings is like looking at the movements of dance. A lifetime is like a flash of lightning in the sky. Rushing by like a torrent down a steep mountain. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment, but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share with caring and lightheartedness and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will have been worthwhile. - From the writings of Deepak Chopra CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2007