Carolyn Jane PURDY

PURDY, Carolyn Jane
On November 27, 2017 Carolyn left this world, surrounded by her loved ones, her wonderful works of art and her cherished books and treasures. She did it peacefully, in her own way and on her own terms. For that we are grateful. We are deeply saddened by this loss; however we are filled with gratitude to have had the privilege to know and love her. Carolyn lived an incredibly full life, punctuated by laughter, intelligence, beauty and love. She inspired family and friends to do the same. Carolyn was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, daughter of Madeline and Coulton Liddle. She grew up with her three remarkable younger brothers, John, Tom and Brent, who she mentored in humour, leadership and importantly, good manners. Carolyn studied arts at the University of Manitoba. In the summer of 1964, Carolyn and her best friend Judy Gunn set off on an exploration of Europe which provided stories for a life-time. Carolyn met her first great love, John Purdy, while working as a teacher in Ontario. They married and moved to Berne, Switzerland. John and Carolyn were blessed with two daughters, Sarah and Anna. Carolyn loved her daughters with every part of her being, a love that was returned fully and deeply. Carolyn shared her passions of fashion, art, drawing and reading with them from an early age. Upon her return to Halifax, N.S., Carolyn taught high school French and German which was a natural fit with her talent for languages. John and Carolyn moved to Fredericton, N.B. where Carolyn's art career blossomed. Over the years, Carolyn painted dazzling canvases of vibrant flowers, mountains, of people reveling at music festivals, dinner parties and parades. Her paintings were as colourful as her personality and rivaled her natural beauty. Her mind's eye was exquisite as she held a remarkable ability to represent the joy and beauty which she thrived on. After John's death, Carolyn moved to Canmore, AB to be closer to her beloved grandchildren, John and Keziah Artry. There she met Terence Groves, whom she loved dearly. Terry was struck by her beauty, athleticism and elegance. They married and together they shared many inspiring adventures including cycling in Italy, going on safari in Africa and using her linguistic skills in France, Mexico and Germany. They shared many passions, most notably their oft admired mastery on the dance floor. Carolyn was an exceptional vibrant woman who saw the beauty in the world. She had a remarkable combination of strength and kindness that profoundly impacted the lives of those that she touched. Carolyn delighted in the splendor and joy in the world and made the world more beautiful with her presence. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Carolyn's honour directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. In living memory of Carolyn Purdy, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.