Lenora Lynn Carriere

CARRIERE (nee Yalowoski), Lenora Lynn Born April 13,1960 – July 28,2024. Aged 64 years.

Lenora was born in Lynn Lake, Manitoba on April 13,1960 to Mavis and Sylvester Yalowoski. She was their third child and third daughter soon to be followed by a younger brother. Throughout Lenora’s childhood, Sylvester worked underground in the mines. On weekends and days off she often accompanied him on the snowmobiles to check out his traplines which were a vital source of income for the family.

As Lenora grew up, she excelled at school and was a gifted athlete, playing volleyball, basketball and hockey. She earned a scholarship and after working for a year, she travelled to Lethbridge Community College to take the Recreational Therapist Degree Program. After graduating she returned home and spent the summer working in a camp for children with special needs.

After tragically losing her sister in a car accident, a friend in Dawson Creek, B.C. invited Lenora to come there for awhile. She arrived in Dawson Creek during the summer of 1982. She continued working with children and adults who had special needs before being hired as a youth councillor at Pink Mountain on the Alaska Highway. It was around this time that she met her future husband Thom.

Her roommate at the time was dating Thom’s brother and introduced them at a Slow Pitch tournament. After she put him out at home plate, Thom made the comment “I’ll get you for that!” and she replied to him “I hope so!” The romance was on. The two of them became inseparable and became engaged during the spring of 1984.

They were married in a small ceremony in Dawson Creek on May 18, 1985. Their reception was at their small house and was attended by her parents, aunts, uncles and grandmother as well as Thom’s parents, brother and grandmothers. The two of them left on a camping honeymoon and returned to a never-ending party. Once everyone left, the happy couple settled in to married life.

Shortly after the wedding, Lenora had the opportunity to manage a Group Home for a local nonprofit society. She was tasked with hiring a team and operating a home for four individuals from Kamloops. She did a fantastic job as the home is still in operation some 39 years later.

In early 1986 the couple packed up their belongings and moved to Red Deer. Their first place was downtown and was made into a wonderful home. In August of that year, Lenora began working at Michener Centre and the couple purchased their first house. Shortly after that, she became pregnant with their son Jay who was born in December of 1987. It was decided that the house was going to be a little small and they purchased their current home in the fall of 1989.

Their daughter Rachel was born in October of 1990 and the family was complete. The next years were busy with the kids growing up, Lenora continuing her education and starting a new position within the Alberta Government. In 2012 she left government service and transitioned to Alberta Health Services as a Director. She continued in this role until a back injury forced her to step down from her role. She kept busy with gardening and her dogs.

Fast forward to 2020, her daughter Rachel met her life partner Tyrell (Ty) Kemper and in 2023 Thom and Lenora were blessed with their first grandchild, Barett Sylvester Kemper. It was a wonderful time for everyone, and Lenora was the perfect Baba. Earlier this year, Ty and Rachel were married, and Lenora was a proud Mama.

Unfortunately, in early May, Lenora was diagnosed with a Level 4 brain cancer. The Doctors tried treating it but were unsuccessful and after a brief stay in the hospital, Lenora passed with her family by her side. Lenora was pre-deceased by her sister Linda, brother Lynn, parents Mavis and Sylvester, her grandparents, various aunts, uncles and cousins.

She leaves to mourn her husband Thom, son Jay, daughter Rachel, son in law Ty, grandson Barrett, sister Debora, and countless friends and family whose lives she touched forever with her smile, laugh and positivity.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rudolph, Dr. Head and the nurses of Unit 32 in the Red Deer Regional Hospital for their kindness and compassion during Lenora’s final days.

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