We Remember
ROBBINS, Carrie
March 6, 1968 — November 1, 2018
It is with profound sadness that the family of Carrie Lynn Robbins announce her passing on Thursday, November 1, 2018 with her family by her side. Carrie was born March 6, 1968. She was the middle child of Jean and Leo Bulach.
Back in the olden days, the early 80’s, in the hallways of Okanagan Mission Secondary Carrie spotted that quiet, shy boy Russ Robbins. By grade 10 they were in a foods class together and the heat was turned up! The girls at the table cooked, Russ cleaned, and they all got A’s, everyone was happy especially Carrie and Russ. Rumour has it that there may have been a first kiss too.
Carrie and Russ were unable to conceive on their own, so they went in search for their perfect children. They found them in Haiti. A chubby little boy named Nicolas and later their perfect little princess Noelle. Their family was now complete. Well, along with the fur babies. Carrie’s preference was for those loose skinned, rolly polly, pug faced dogs; Boxers, Pugs, Boston Terriers and lately French Bulldogs. She just loved to hold their jowls and kiss those wrinkly little faces. Sometimes she kissed her kids too!
For many years Carrie was the family hairdresser. This allowed everyone in the family to have an hour long visit with Carrie every 6 weeks or so. When she decided that something had to give, she was working at Costco, had hockey billets and raising two children so she gave up the hairdressing! That threw the rest of the family into panic! Who was going to cut our hair? A stranger?? How could you? Many of us walked around quite unkempt until we could find a replacement.
Carrie was known for having an open home to those who needed it. Together, her and Russ hosted many Hockey School, and International students making lifelong friendships along the way.
Carrie was an amazing mother who took that job very seriously. Nicolas and Noelle will never doubt her love for them. She was their best friend and fiercest advocate but most importantly, their mother. She enjoyed the time spent at the hockey rink cheering for Nicolas from the stands. She loved watching her bad ass little chic Noelle, “popping and locking” in hip hop dance class. She shared her values and sense of humour. Teaching the important things in life, the appropriate use of profanity, and the pleasure of using the middle finger salute and heavy-footed driving. Carrie believed if you were going to do something then do it well. She was an awesome cook and talented artist. She was the family “Martha Stewart”, doing everything to perfection. Noelle’s challenge now will be to learn how to peel all those potatoes to make Carrie’s legendary potato soup. Nicolas’ challenge will be to learn how to set an alarm on his phone for the morning.
On November 16, 2016 our world was rocked when Carrie was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). They packed up the kids and headed for the Dominican Republic to relax and enjoy family time. Jamaica was next on the list where Carrie found more “happy places”.
Carrie always enjoyed a good get together so for her 50th birthday this year we partied with gusto! A celebration for the books, complete with a French Bulldog cake, 1968 VW van photobooth and a surprise guest in a giant cake! The potato pooping contest highlighted some very unique talents of certain individuals who shall remain nameless (J.R.).
In spite of everything, in the last 3 months Carrie was happy. She shared with Russ the joys of retail therapy. Homesense, Pier 1 and Old Navy were their favourite spots to bond. She giggled, she smiled, and she pulled practical jokes. If she had to be up at 1:00 a.m. to suction, then why shouldn’t Russ? A tickle on the feet until he woke up, when better to spend quality time with your lovely wife than in the middle of the night? A giggle, a smile and a shrug of her shoulders meant the world to him.
There are many people and groups to thank for their support over the last two years. Thank you to Dr. Lacroix and Dr. MacCauley. Thank you to the Downtown Safeway for their understanding and support and especially to the Pharmacy who have gone above and beyond in helping us keep our lives running smoothly. Many thanks to her family at Costco where she’d worked since 2006. Thank you for your love, support and friendship.
The team from the ALS BC Society have helped us navigate our new reality and supported and educated us through this process. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ALS Society of BC, alsbc.ca or #1233-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, B.C. V6V 2X7 Toll Free 1-800-708-3228. For those brave and crazy souls there is an ALS Pepper Challenge where you video yourself eating a hot pepper! We know you want to Todd D!
Carrie is survived by her devoted husband of 29 years Russ and their precious children Nicolas and Noelle, her parents Jean and Leo Bulach, sisters Lisa (Rick) Bronstein and their children Ryan, Luke and Faith and sister Sherry (Bob) Deubner and their children Melissa and Jesse. Her in-laws Julie and Alan Robbins and sister-in-law Michelle (Chris) Daniels and their children Bryan, Brittany and Cody. The large extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles will miss her greatly.
Carrie was predeceased by her Grandpa and Grandma Bulach, Aunt Regina Metz, Uncle Fred and Auntie Madeline Driscoll, Uncle Ken Driscoll, Auntie Pat Davis, Uncle Hermann and Auntie Marj Graf and her beloved Grandma Driscoll.
At Carrie’s request there will be no service. The family is planning to purchase a bench at the Sutherland Dog Park at 700 Ellis St. Please stop by, sit awhile and remember Carrie.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
At Carrie’s request there will be no service. The family is planning to purchase a bench at the Sutherland Dog Park at 700 Ellis St. Kelowna, BC
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In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ALS Society of BC #1233-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, B.C. V6V 2X7 Toll Free 1-800-708-3228 Link: www.alsbc.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for ROBBINS, Carrie is scheduled for At Carrie’s request there will be no service. The family is planning to purchase a bench at the Sutherland Dog Park at 700 Ellis St. Kelowna, BC. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
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Special Requests:
The family is planning to purchase a bench at the Sutherland Dog Park at 700 Ellis St. Please stop by, sit awhile and remember Carrie
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My heart breaks. Carrie was my sister for my teen years and I was her “hair muse” (Never mind the leopard spots). I will miss our summer visits when it would feel like no time had passed. All my love to Russ, Nicolas and Noelle. I will always be here for you.
David, Delaney and I are so sad to hear of Carrie’s passing. It’s just so unreal. Delaney and Noelle attended KSS together…we got updates from Noelle and from Charlotte Soper Short about Carrie from time to time. My favorite memories are of Carrie teaching me to drive in her orange rabbit…she even ran over my foot by mistake. It didn’t hurt but I was surprised and we both laughed! 50 is way too young to leave this world-Carrie was a terrific mom and soulmate for Russ and she’ll be missed dearly. If we can do anything at all for the family, please don’t hesitate to email me. All our love, the McCarthys.
My deepest condolences to your family.
Russ and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers and much love for you as your life finds a new “normal”. It is certain she will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy I hope you and your children find solace from the good memories you formed over the years. May she rest in peace.
Carrie was a beautiful person.
A wonderful co- worker, you are enveloped in love.
So sorry for your loss. May the memories you hold in your heart help to lift you through this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dinah and Reg Wilson
Russ and family, there are no words that will ever make this ok, but knowing the love and support of all the people around you can help make it a little more bearable. I am so sorry for the loss of your best friend, partner, mother. Take care.
Russ and family we are so very sorry for your loss. Carrie was such an inspiration to everyone who knew her and she will be missed. Ron & Thelma White
So sorry to hear of your daughters passing. Our deepest condolences to the family….
Russ, Nick and Noel I’m So sorry for your loss.
Deepest condolences to all of Carrie’s family and friends. I was lucky enough to meet the Robbins family four years ago when they got their first French bulldog Diesel from us and we developed a friendship over the years following. Carrie and Russ were always very kind hearted, genuine people with big hearts.. Our family lost someone to ALS 5 years ago so Carrie’s diagnosis was profoundly difficult to hear about because we had already been down this road with our father in, law. Carrie faced her diagnosis with grace and fought so hard. She truly was an amazing person. May your memories bring you comfort and may the loving support of your friends and family bring you strength. Love and light to you all Nadia & Paul 🐾
I was so very saddened to hear that our friend and co worker Carrie had passed away. I have worked with Carrie at Costco for many years. We had an abundance of conversations while working together.
When I met Carrie my husband and I were desperately trying to conceive with no luck. Carrie would talk about adopting her beautiful children Nicolas and Noelle. She always let me know that we had options, and encouraged me to find a way to become a mom.
When we finally did start our family, I had the priviledge of coming back to work after maternity, where Carrie soon joined the same department that I now worked in.
As I was a new mom with a toddler, Carrie was always quick to offer advice and guidance. We as moms would giggle about our kids and the ups and downs of parenthood. I always admired Carrie’s advice, and so thoroughly enjoyed listening to her talk about all of Nicolas’ and Noelle’s accomplishments. There are two words that come to mind when I think of Carrie. The first is Mom and the second is Family. It is these two things that stood out as the most important things in life to Carrie. She was a such a proud mom not only to her own kids, but to the hockey billets that stayed at their family’home as well.
Carrie had a radiant smile, a contagious laugh and a huge heart. She was pationate, strong willed and so caring. I admired Carrie because she always spoke up for her beliefs and shared her idea’s and opinions freely.
We have missed Carrie’s presence at our desk for the last couple of years. It was always so nice to see her. Carrie’s ALS did not hold her back. She continued to be the Super Mom and wife to her family, and her fur babies.
Carrie will be sadly missed by all of us who had the priviledge of knowing such an amazing and courageous woman. My heart breaks for her loving family. Sending you all healing thoughts, and peace in your hearts knowing that Carrie lives in each one of you.
With much Love,
Susin Souter
I am lost for words. Carrie was a beautiful person. She loved Russ so much and was the best hairdresser in our class . I’m so happy those kids got her . Xoxo