Obituary for Carmen Cala
Carmen Cala
May 29th, 1946 - Wednesday, November 16th, 2022
On November 16, 2022, Carmen Cala, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away at the age of 76 in Calgary, Alberta.
Carmen is survived by her loving husband, Alfonso; son, Michel (Leanne); daughters, Mabelle (Scott), Olga (Victor), and Vicki (Trevor). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren that she adored: Vanessa and Alex; Stefanie, Logan and Brayden; Isaac, Caleb and Lilli.
Carmen was born in the small town of Cillamayor, Spain, to Pedro Miguel Marcos and Candelas Congosto Bujedo. She grew up with her sister and four brothers in a small brick house and had the countryside as her playground. She often described her childhood as idyllic and those early years shaped her love for nature. At age 19 she was introduced to Alfonso on a blind date at the Seville Fair. They would go onto marry, cross the Atlantic to Canada in 1968, and share 55 years of matrimony together.
Carmen loved caring for children; she was a nanny for several families, and volunteered in the nursery at Centre Street Church. She was also passionate about cooking and known to take a walk (or two!) every single day. She appreciated the simple pleasures in life and derived her greatest joy from being out in the mountains, or sharing a home-cooked meal with the ones she loved.
In 2011, Carmen faced her first of numerous struggles with cancer; it returned most recently in 2021. Through these challenging times, she maintained a sense of humor. She enjoyed hiking trips with the Wellspring Group; they were a source of joy for her during her battle with cancer. Her faith in God and strong connection to her Spanish-speaking community also sustained her throughout her difficult journey.
The last two and a half months were spent under the amazing care of the Agape Manor Hospice in Calgary. The family asks that in lieu of gifts and flowers, any donations kindly be made directly to them.
A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 pm, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Centre Street Church (3900 2nd Street NE; Calgary, Alberta; T2E 9C1). A private family interment at Queen’s Park Cemetery will take place prior to Service.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” ~ Philippians 1:21-24
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Carmen please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
May 29th, 1946 - Wednesday, November 16th, 2022
On November 16, 2022, Carmen Cala, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away at the age of 76 in Calgary, Alberta.
Carmen is survived by her loving husband, Alfonso; son, Michel (Leanne); daughters, Mabelle (Scott), Olga (Victor), and Vicki (Trevor). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren that she adored: Vanessa and Alex; Stefanie, Logan and Brayden; Isaac, Caleb and Lilli.
Carmen was born in the small town of Cillamayor, Spain, to Pedro Miguel Marcos and Candelas Congosto Bujedo. She grew up with her sister and four brothers in a small brick house and had the countryside as her playground. She often described her childhood as idyllic and those early years shaped her love for nature. At age 19 she was introduced to Alfonso on a blind date at the Seville Fair. They would go onto marry, cross the Atlantic to Canada in 1968, and share 55 years of matrimony together.
Carmen loved caring for children; she was a nanny for several families, and volunteered in the nursery at Centre Street Church. She was also passionate about cooking and known to take a walk (or two!) every single day. She appreciated the simple pleasures in life and derived her greatest joy from being out in the mountains, or sharing a home-cooked meal with the ones she loved.
In 2011, Carmen faced her first of numerous struggles with cancer; it returned most recently in 2021. Through these challenging times, she maintained a sense of humor. She enjoyed hiking trips with the Wellspring Group; they were a source of joy for her during her battle with cancer. Her faith in God and strong connection to her Spanish-speaking community also sustained her throughout her difficult journey.
The last two and a half months were spent under the amazing care of the Agape Manor Hospice in Calgary. The family asks that in lieu of gifts and flowers, any donations kindly be made directly to them.
A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 pm, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Centre Street Church (3900 2nd Street NE; Calgary, Alberta; T2E 9C1). A private family interment at Queen’s Park Cemetery will take place prior to Service.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” ~ Philippians 1:21-24
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Carmen please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.