We Remember

THIESSEN, Carmelita “Carmi” Kathleen

March 2, 1943 — April 17, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Carmi Thiessen, who passed away while surrounded by her loving family on April 17, 2025, at the age of 82, a short time after a cancer diagnosis.

Carmi will be missed by all who knew her. She was a happy and fun-loving person who made many good friends over the years. She is survived by her four children: Mitchell (Donna), Carla (Clay dec.), Mark (Lisa), and Angie (Brenda). She is also survived by her sister, Louise (Larry) Melenko; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Tony dec.), Shivak and Delores (John) Chandler; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved Jack, and brother Tony Shivak.

Carmi was born on March 2, 1943, to Anthony and Helen Shivak in Hamilton, Ontario. At a young age, her family moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia, where she grew up. At age 13, Carmi met the love of her life, Jack Thiessen, and they married in Abbotsford in 1961. They quickly grew their family to 4 children in 5 years and created a loving family home. It was Carmi’s dream to be a mother and to raise a family – and she accomplished that with flying colours!

Growing up, the Thiessen kids had many adventures together, some of which were no doubt challenging for Carmi. They had adventures like painting the outside of the house and lawn in different colours of oil-based paint, and like opening and sampling the Christmas gifts intended for their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. A favourite memory of Carmi’s was the time the kids got up in the middle of the night and ate the chocolate cake she had baked for the next day. They even took baby Angie out of her crib and put her in the high chair, so she didn’t miss out. Jack and Carmi heard the noise in the kitchen and when they saw the 4 of them eating cake, they thought it was so cute, the kids escaped punishment!

The highlight of family life had been the annual camping trips to Nicola Lake, where they created many happy memories with family and friends. Even when their kids were grown, Jack and Carmi continued to go to Nicola Lake. They also enjoyed many cruises and several trips to Hawaii.

After Jack retired, they enjoyed 10 years of travel to California, Arizona, and Nevada with fellow RV’ers who became great friends. Retirement years were spent visiting family and friends and continuing to travel until health issues caught up with them. Jack passed away in December 2023 and Carmi dearly missed him and the life they had together. Even so, she was able to take a trip to the Coast for a reunion of her high school friends and made 2 more trips to California before her own health challenges set in.

“Mom, thank you for the many sacrifices you made for our family. No words can express how much you will be missed and how much you will always be loved. Even though you lived with constant pain, you always pushed through and laughed that big laugh of yours. While it was heartbreaking to see this new pain win and your laugh fade away, we are comforted knowing you are now resting in peace and dancing in Dad’s arms”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society can be made in Carmi’s name.

Catholic Funeral Mass will be held Monday, June 9, 2025, at 1:00 pm (PDT), at St. Charles Garnier Parish: 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service
Monday, June 9, 2025, at 1:00 pm (PDT)

Location
St. Charles Garnier Parish

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Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.cancer.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for THIESSEN, Carmelita “Carmi” Kathleen is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 1:00 pm (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

St. Charles Garnier Parish

3645 Benvoulin Rd Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Angie Ludvigsen says:
    April 24, 2025 at 7:25 pm

    Mitchell, Carla, Angie & Mark; please accept my condolences on the passing of your mum. Such fond memories of your family home in Armstrong and your mums hospitality. May she rest in Peace with your dad.
    ~Angie Ludvigsen ~ (Glen & Joyce Hunters daughter)

    Reply
  • Pat Reynolds (Smyth) says:
    May 17, 2025 at 11:28 am

    Dear Louise (Lulu), Kathy and families,
    I just recently became aware of Carmi, Jack & Tony’s passing. Losing three wonderful long time friends was such a shock. Sending my deepest condolences to all – may your wonderful memories help you through this difficult sad time.
    Sincerely, Pat Smyth Reynolds

    Reply
  • MARALYNNE (BORG) BEATTY says:
    May 21, 2025 at 3:27 pm

    Lulu and Carmi’s entire family. Carmi was my best friend in high school. I spent many weekends with Carmi, Jack, Tony and and couple of other guys going to local dances. dancing until the band stopped playing. Our parents became friends and always had enjoyable times together. I only wish we had reconnected before our 75th birthdays. It was like we had never been apart. I have so many wonderful memories from our teen years and then when we started having a family. I will miss my friend and will always feel the love I have for her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I will be there to say my final good bye. Sending love to all, Maralynne.

    Reply
  • Danene Johnson says:
    May 23, 2025 at 7:14 pm

    Found this picture ❤️
    Love you all, see you soon ❤️

    Reply

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