CARMEL ALIA WAYBORN

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CARMEL ALIA WAYBORN

Carmel Alia Wayborn-Smith (née Wayborn) died peacefully at home in Calgary, Alberta on June 24, 2026. She was 42 years old. She is survived by her mother, Betty Wayborn, and her husband, Justin "JT" Smith. She will be lovingly remembered by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Carmel was born at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 22, 1984, the only child of Mark and Betty Wayborn. From an early age, she demonstrated a determination and independent spirit that would define her.

Carmel loved animals and became obsessed with horses at a young age. When she was 13, she did a school project on the Amazon rainforest which inspired her to become a vegetarian. This was also the beginning of her environmental and political activism.

In high school she joined the Young Liberals, the student wing of the Liberal Party. She was also a member of Equal Voice, a national organization dedicated to electing women at all levels of government. Carmel was proud to travel to Ottawa as a delegate for Equal Voice in her early 20s.

After graduating from high school, Carmel received a scholarship to the University of Winnipeg where she majored in Environmental and Urban Studies. She excelled in her classes, but emerging health issues prevented her from completing the program.

Carmel loved books, music, dance, and traveling abroad. Politics fascinated her, and she stayed engaged with current events, even as her own world grew smaller. She longed for peace in the Middle East, and more recently advocated for the safe return of the Israeli hostages whenever her energy permitted.

Carmel's Jewish identity was an integral part of who she was, and some of her favorite memories were attending synagogue with her father and grandfather on Friday nights.

Carmel and Justin met as teenagers in Winnipeg. They remained friends online before reconnecting several years later. Carmel moved to Calgary in 2013 to start a life with Justin, and they married in 2015. Their relationship had many challenges, but they grew as individuals with deep mutual respect and understanding.

What set Carmel apart was her remarkable ability to connect with others. She had a gift for truly seeing people and making them feel heard and valued. Her passion for helping others was her way of contributing to society when illness prevented more traditional paths.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Starting Over Sanctuary, a rescue for donkeys and horses that was close to Carmel's heart. The family has set up a special page for this purpose: https://carmelmemorial.ca

A private graveside service will be held at Prairie Sky Cemetery in Calgary, with internment in the Green Burial section.

We would like to thank Rabbi Ilana Krygier Lapides, and Dr. Hayden Rubensohn, for providing support and comfort to Carmel in her final days.

Carmel lived with grace, connected with authenticity, and faced her final chapter with the same courage and dignity that marked her entire journey.

Aleha HaShalom. May peace be upon her.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2026