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CARLA KIMBERLY STEFANSSON  Obituary pic

CARLA KIMBERLY STEFANSSON

Born: Sep 25, 1955

Date of Passing: Jan 10, 2014

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CARLA KIMBERLY STEFANSSON September 25, 1955 - January 10, 2014 It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Carla Kimberly Stefansson (Alty, Stefanowich) on January 10, 2014. Carla inspired the life of everyone she met. She will be forever remembered by her husband, Howard Gurevich, her children; Jason (Kelly), Ashleigh, (Jamie) and Ainsley (Kurt), Howard's children Sarah, Arielle and Daniel, grandchildren; Cameron, Aiden, Kieran, Shelby, Justin, Brandon and Chloe. Siblings; Candace, Cara (Scott), Roma, John (Chris) and Julie (Tommy) her many nieces, nephews, friends and clients. She was predeceased by her soul sister Laurel Austman. There was no half way with Carla. She embraced every person and situation with genuine love and openness. KoKo was a never-ending source of fun for her grandchildren. She lived selflessly, always worrying about others. Carla was not one for grand gesture; it was the innumerable little acts of kindness that helped everyone daily in their lives. Carla spent some 30 years in the cleaning business. In testament to her prowess numerous of her clients were with her for her entire career. She became friends with many of them. She loved to be surrounded by beauty and her environment was important to her, always redecorating, often at odd hours. Her devotion to cleanliness was legendary even on her way to the hospital for the last time she had to vacuum. Carla loved to laugh and had a sharp wit in own right. Her last days were a demonstration of the depth of her impact on others. A steady stream of visitors and messages kept her smiling. She has a passion for crosswords and other word games. Beating her at Boggle or Scrabble was pretty much an impossible task. We wish to thank her caregivers, in Emergency, High Observation, the palliative team and GD4. Their patience, compassion and willingness to help were appreciated more than words can express. A special thank you to Carla's friend Debbie Cygmon, whose support helped us in so many ways. In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made to: Laurel Austman Bursary #931-0189 Department of Advancement Services 179 Continuing Education Complex The University Of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Memorial Service Neil Bardal 3030 Notre Dame 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 14 The funeral will be webcast. nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2014

Condolences & Memories (20 entries)

  • Carla - you were a shining light. My sincere condolences to Howard and family. - Posted by: Lynne Milton (friend) on: Feb 25, 2014

  • We were lucky enough to meet Carla on a couple of occasions when she and Howard would be part of our group celebrating something or getting together when Ford and Gayle would come to town. I'll always remember her fun loving way, and genuine kindness. So sorry for you Howard for such a great loss, but I know you must have such beautiful memories of Carla to help you carry on. Love Tom - Posted by: Tom McGouran (friend) on: Jan 18, 2014

  • Somewhere amongst all the mountains of papers I have from my Mom's place when we moved her to Park Manor last year is a copy of a letter my Mom wrote to I think the principal of Arthur Day ~ 1969 telling him the only person that she trusted to be a true friend to me was Carla. - Posted by: Kirby (James) Pearson (Junior High Friend) on: Jan 15, 2014

  • Carla was full of love, laughter and life. Spent many long evenings together with Howard and Ford and many really great friends enjoying each other's company with delicious food, fine and always interesting conversation. I love you Carla ... your spirit and smile will live on forever in my heart ... all our hearts! Cheers!! - Posted by: Gayle (friend) on: Jan 15, 2014

  • We lived next door to grandparents Len & Barb in the 90's. We were always welcome when all the family were there celebrating a birthday or special occasion. And they all made us feel like family. Our deepest sympathies to Jason, Ashleigh and Ainsley and all the family. - Posted by: Leanne,Dave, Karli & Janson Gunderson (Family friends) on: Jan 14, 2014

  • I loved Carla's laugh, her stylish ways and she had a unique talent for growing the biggest orchids I have ever seen. Carla will be in all of our hearts and every time I smell sandlewood incense I will think of her. - Posted by: Nicole Andree (friend) on: Jan 14, 2014

  • Carla and I were friends for so long and went through so much together there is really nothing I can say. Almost every day I can think of things that I could say to her that she would "get" that other people wouldn't. We went through good times and bad times and often at different times, and not always together, but we could always get together and talk about those things. In the end, we'd usually end up laughing about them. One of my favorite most recent memories sharing time with Carla was when I opened up a box of old letters written in 1979. There were also letters there from Laurel to me, too. We were all pregnant at the time, with Graham, Ashleigh & Lexie. What a hoot! In one of the letters Carla said, "Yeah, I got myself a pair of new maternaty burgany cords. Nice, but cost $15! What a rip off?" Well, as you can imagine, we roared. There was a lot of other really funny stuff, too, about what Jason was doing at the time, etc. That was an excellent visit at my old house on Alverstone and I'll always remember it because on that day she looked out the window and said, "Hey! I think that's Brian Mazniuk!" Trust her to clue onto that - and it was. So, we snuck down the street, not too discreetly and saw Brian at his sister Pat's place that day. Too many good memories to tell you all about. Long shall Carla's spirit live along with me. That's for sure. Over 40 years of friendship and never a cross word between us. Only good. She is in my heart always. I learned from that lady. She was somethin' else! - Posted by: Diana McGhee (life long friend) on: Jan 14, 2014

  • We are very saddened to hear of your recent loss and would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Albany Keystone Builders & Renovators (Friend of John Stefanowich) on: Jan 14, 2014

  • One of the first times I spent time with Carla was in the days surrounding my grandfather's funeral. My husband and I stayed with her and Uncle Howard. I will never forget how Carla made us feel immediately warm, welcome and at ease in her home. Her smile could quite literally light up a room. I look to Carla and Howard as role models of the kindness and generosity that I hope to display to others. My heart is broken for Howard and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Elyssa Miller (Niece) on: Jan 14, 2014

  • Carla & I have known each other since 1968. I remember Candace & Carla having a crush on my brother Len. We have shared lots & lots of laughs together & heartache too. After we went our separate ways, Carla & I didn't phone each other regularly. But when we did speak, it's like we never skipped a beat. We just kept on going & going & going. I will miss her smile & laughter & everything else that was "Carla". I am very glad to have been given the chance to say my good-byes to Carla... - Posted by: Valerie Komyshyn (Very Old Friend) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • I had had the pleasure of spending the better part of my teenage years on Overdale with Carla, Ashleigh and Ains. Ashleigh and I met in grade 8 and were inseparable well into our twenties, living together a few time over the years. Growing up, Carla was like a second mother to me. She would always pick me up to bring me over to their house and treated me like her own daughter. Proudly, I was the only one of Ashleigh's friends that was allowed to spend the night. We had countless sleepovers and even though Carla was privy to us staying up late and laughing until the sun came up; she never would get mad, but simply knock on the door and tell us we better get to bed! She's made the BEST tomato and velveta sandwiches and I could eat her pasta salad for breakfast lunch and dinner. It was so delish I requested it every time I came to visit later on in life. She was an amazing host and wonderful cook. In those days we listened to the greatest music and played boggle til we could no longer stand losing to her. We laughed until our bellies ached and our cheeks hurt. I'll always remember her having a beautiful, spotless, warm and inviting home. As an adult, we remained friends and I always looked forward to seeing her gorgeous smile and bright red lipstick. She was funny, witty and ultra stylish. My heart breaks for Howard, all the children and grandchildren. I am so sorry for your loss. Carla was an amazing wife, mother and friend to so many. The world will not be the same without her. Carla you will always hold the most special place in my heart, I have so many memories of you that I will cherish forever. I am truly blessed to have known you. Rest in peace KoKo. - Posted by: Crystal Johnson (Friend of the family ) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • Knowing Carla we can imagine the depth of the loss, not only to you Howard, the children, and her family, but to all who had the good fortune of knowing her and sharing in her goodness. Carla was a rare individual, completely devoid of ill will, always loving and concerned for others, an intellegent, compassionate, and positive person. We have benefitted by knowing her and loving her. We shall miss her. - Posted by: Ernie and Nadine Abbit (Uncle) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • I love that Carla's Boggle skills made it into this lovely piece about her life. It makes me think of Sunday dinners at Aunty Barb's. Never arriving empty handed, always laughing, last one to leave the kitchen during clean up...those are the things that come to mind. - Posted by: Lisa Park (Gray) (cousin) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • Carla's Smile will always be forever in the hearts of the people she encountered ! Her laughter will always be heard and not forgotten ! Her Heart will Hover Over Those She Loves ! Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Taras J. Sandulak (Family Friend ) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • Such a kind person and very professional. She will be missed. - Posted by: Barbara Gerrie (client) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • I knew Carla back in high school days. we used to hang out after school, partied together. I remember the day we made our long denim skirts out of our blue jeans and wore them proudly. she was always a happy go lucky, beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Carla you are now a beautiful angel. God bless. - Posted by: Paulette Berard Smeed (friend) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • Sorry for the loss of your mom, grandmother & wife. She was a good person. I am glad to have known her. - Posted by: Marion Sandulak (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • As one of Laurel Austman's younger sisters, I spent lots of time with Laurel and Carla over the years and came to regard Carla as another older sister. She was such a lovely woman, always welcoming me with a smile and a hug. My heart aches for the loss of such a wonderful spirit. My most sincere condolences to her family and everyone who cherished her. - Posted by: Pamela Austman () on: Jan 13, 2014

  • Really going to miss hanging out with Carla and Howard after lunch at a cool restaurant or just at home talking about anything, everything and nothing. Carla was always so passionate during these great discussions. - Posted by: Jonathon Haid (Nephew) on: Jan 13, 2014

  • Jason, Ashleigh, Ainsley and family sorry to hear of your loss of your mom. Your mom was a beautiful person inside and out, always so friendly and easy to talk too. Her smile will be sadly missed but never forgotten. RIP Carla you will be missed by so many. Love Cynthia - Posted by: Cynthia Moffat (Gault) (cousin) on: Jan 13, 2014

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