In Loving Memory of
Cara Lou Stark
May 19, 1957 – September 29, 2024
Funeral Service with Live Stream Available
Monday, October 7, 2024
10:30 AM Mountain Time (UTC -6)
Beaumont Community Centre
5204 50 Avenue, Beaumont, Alberta
Reception to Follow
Interment Following Reception
Millet Community Cemetery
Highway 616, Government Road, Township Road 474, Range Rd 245, Millet, AB
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Obituary of Cara Lou (Casey) Stark
May 19, 1957 – September 29, 2024
It is with deepest sadness that we, the family of Cara Lou wish to announce her passing at the age of 67, on Sunday, September 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Cara was born to Hazel and Billy Casey in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick and moved to Alberta in 1977 where she has made her home ever since.
She leaves to mourn her loss, her loving husband, Phil Stark, children Randall Leavitt (Ashley), their daughter Mikayla Nelson, her son Caleb Stark (Jenna Magsam), her daughter Julia Stark, her loving sister Carla (Roley) Wight, her nephew Robin (Tiffany) Casey, their children; Dayne, Dylan, Cailyn and Tyler Casey, as well as Phil’s brother and sisters and their children.
Cara worked at the University of Alberta hospital for 33 years in various capacities. Her dedication to detail and good order took her from the Photography Department in the basement at the old University of Alberta Hospital to the UAH School of Nursing, the Pharmacy department and finally the Northern Alberta Renal Program. She retired but later returned to work at Covenant Health and St. Joseph’s long-term care as an administrative assistant. And in what was supposed to be retirement she drove a school bus for a few years.
Cara was raised in a God-fearing home and made her choice to serve the Lord in 1994 and remained faithful throughout her life. She is remembered for her gentle spirit, her strong convictions, and her desire to include everyone she met her in her joyful life experiences.
Phil and Cara have enjoyed traveling extensively having travelled to 6 continents. In the last few years Cara’s destination of choice was Namibia where she loved the people, the land, and the wild animals.
In the last few years, she convinced Phil that they should have a small dog and that brought her beloved pup Fia into her life. Fia could often be found laying along side Cara though these last months and would run and fetch Phil when Cara was feeling sick.
Her funeral service will be held in the Beaumont Community Centre (CCBCC) on Monday October 7th, at 10:30 AM. Workers taking her service will be Jesse McFadden, Thelma Gailbraith and Mildred Lindquist.
A light lunch will be held shortly after the service. The graveside service will occur in the Millet Cemetery in Millet Alberta after the lunch, as time and travel distance to the cemetery are impactful.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Ciska
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Dear Philip, due to work in South Africa I was not able to connect to the livestream of the funeral service of Cara at Oct 7th, but I participated later. It is with empathy and sympathy that we thank you for sharing. Wishing you strength and blessings every new day. Greetings Ciska and Peter, Lexmond NL
Trish Mast
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I didn’t know Cara long but she was a delightful, warm, friendly lady who I want to spend more time with. I was not able to attend her funeral as just returning from Europe, but I did listen online and it was wonderful to have that opportunity.
So sorry for your loss Phil and family. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy.
Sonnette West
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Willis, thank you for this…Even my family and friends and some Workers in Africa and UK could join!
Jesse, Mildred, Thelma, LaDawn… How can we thank you enough?…
Phil, Caleb and Jenna, Julia, Carla, Rolly…. You are in our hearts and prayers.
We are there for you.
All our love,
Keith, Sonnette, Henry and Daniel
Kathleen McChesney
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Our loss collides with yours Phil as we only knew Cara from her visits to Vancouver and her wonderful vitality. Our hearts 💞 are with you during these times.
Carolyn Good
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My sincere condolences. Thinking of you all at this time.
Tammy Grund
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To the Stark Family, I was so saddened to hear of Cara’s passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Cara when she was at the GreyNuns . She always welcomed me daily with her warm smile and a story to share .
My deepest sympathy
Tammy
Garth and Heather Campbell
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We are very sorry for your loss Phil & family and Carla & family. Thinking of you all at this sad time with our sincere condolences. Garth & Heather Campbell
Dacia Lindquist
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I’m so sorry for your loss Phil and family. I remember Cara very well. Such a dear lady and always smiling! She brought joy to many. My deepest sympathy.
Aubrey + Mary Anderson
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Beautiful service, wonderful testimony. Such a precious privilege to listen in.
Aubrey and Mary Anderson, Milton Ontario.
Brett Roy Frederickson
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May Cara a friend rest till Jesus return.
Will miss Cara’s big smile and her spirit!
Condolences to all the family.
I am presently in hospital and was unable to attend. Thinking of you all . 🙏❤️❤️❤️
Pamela Stevens
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My sincerest condolences to Phil, the children, and Cara’s extended family. Cara was loved by many and her memory will live on in our hearts.
Marianna Wright
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We met through the internet because I found amongst my late sister-in-law’s possessions a hymnbook compiled by Cara Stark. My late sister-in-law’s and husband’s mother’s surname was Stark and I wondered if there was a connection. I searched for Cara Stark on facebook and found her. We then got into contact with each other and although the surname Stark was just a coincidence (my husband’s family from South Africa) we became friends. I loved following Cara and Phil on their journeys via facebook. I am so thankful that my husband and I can follow the service of such a vibrant friend via the live streaming. Our sincere condolences to Phil, son, daughter and family. Alec & Marianna Wright (South Africa)
Valerie Elias
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Phil and family: my thoughts are with you in the passing of Cara.
Cara exhibited caring, faithfulness and expertise both in the Pharmacy and other endeavours.
While we mainly communicated by email, her strength was incredible.
The depth of sorrow we cannot tell in the loss of Cara who was loved so well.
While she sleeps a peaceful sleep,, I will always keep her memory in my mind.
I am happy to have watched the touching funeral.
Lucy Hughes
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I’ve been able to follow Cara’s journey and appreciated very much to have been part of it though thousands of miles away. I’ve looked forward to each meeting knowing that she would have bread to share. .My deepest condolences to Phil,Caleb and Julia and family.
Lucy.
Joan Fernihough
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Thank you for a most comforting message! The live broadcast went well with just a few slight hic cups! Blessings to you Phil. Strange to know that there were many people there who are family and I only know one being Phil! Be strong and the Lord will be with you. Much love from is all in South Africa.
Candice Fipke
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Wish I could have been there with you all. Cara will always be remember. I have many fond memories of visiting and singing.
Kerry Magsam
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It was so nice to attend the funeral even though we couldn’t in person. Very nice words of encouragement and to know Cara Lou even better!! Our Sympathy to the family!!!
Jim and Mildred Colter
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Our sincere sympathy to the family on the loss of Cara. We have good memories of Cara when she visited Grande Prairie in the course of her work with the Renal Clinic. She was a very caring, vibrant lady.
Fatima G Remtulla
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Thinking of you my dearest friend as you now rest in peace in the arms of the Lord, thank you for being that strength of courage for us all, your sense of humour and laughter brought such joy!!!! May peace be with all!!!
Candace Cobb
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Dear Cara,
It was always an encouragement to meet with you Sunday mornings when we visited Edmonton. Your faithfulness and grace will continue to encourage.
Many thoughts of comfort to Phil and the family.
Carolyn Bougher
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Dear family of Cara. I am so very sorry to experience the loss of Cara . I first met Cara at the northern Alberta renal program and she was a great asset to me in a leadership role. We remained connected throughout the years and admired her zest for life and love for her family and friends . She was one great lady. RIP Cara
Shirley Wilson
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So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy to all the family
Lente and Patrick
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Rest gently dear Cara. You are loved always. Phil we keep you and the family in our thoughts and wish you strength
We will plant a tree for you this side Cara…
Pauline Weatherall
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God bless you my beautiful Canadian sister, reunited with Aunty Hazel and Uncle Billy .Rest in Peace xxx
Joline
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Memories of Phil and Cara and our children as they grew up together and played. Times spent together with much laughter and joy. Cara you will be missed and our prayers go with you, Phil and Randall, Caleb and Julia and the family. Although we know that Cara is no longer suffering we look with hope to the time we will be together in our Father’s house in heaven. Rest in peace friend and sister in the Lord.
Lil Qureshi and family
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Our deepest condolences to Phil, Caleb, Julia and family. Our prayers are with you all. She fought a courageous fight but God decided to take her home, no more pain or hospital, peace forever more. Rest my dear friend. Will be miss my all your family and friends. Glad that l had the opportunity to know you(Cara and l met when she was pregnant with Julia, we were on the same unit)Loving memories will be in our hearts now and forever.
Dell Lloyd
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So many memories of Cara Lou! All the Sunday mornings and the Wednesday evenings we had together. As well as the many gatherings with our friends, of which Cara was the life of the party.
Time spent was always livelier with Cara. She will be missed and always remembered. Our condolences to Phil (the love of her life); to Caleb her son and Dear Julia her daughter. My thoughts and prayers go to you all.
Terry and Dell
Helen Galbraith
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Sincere sympathy on your loss.
Judy Boto
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I was fortunate to share specials days with Cara on our trip to Namibia , a bond of being part of a special family.
George Wesenberg
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Dear Phil and family may you find comfort that she has gone on to her heavenly home
Wende Stonehouse
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Cara will be missed by so many people. I have such good memories of our times together. I will never have another friend like that again. She was a leader and we just did what she suggested. Oh the memories are too numerous to mention but I will never forget any of them. Rest in Peace my dear dear friend. Until we meet again, sending love.
Your friend forever and a day.
Wende
Serena Wagner
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Dear Phil and Family,
Cara was a treasure of a person. I have fond memories of spending time with her at meetings and talking to her over the years. She radiated service to God and joy without judgment. She truly had a heart of gold and will be missed dearly.
Shirley Coleman
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Dear dear Cara with an ever ready smile showing her inner joy. Remembered with warm love.
My heart goes out to Phil especially and family too. One step at a time looking upwards. Shirley
Joan Fernihough
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Dear Cara, I will miss your smile and all the photos you send on your trips around the word. RIP my dear friend! Much love to all, Joan and family in SA.
Keith and Eva Williston
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Our love and sympathy to you Phil and family.
Roxanne Moore
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I drove bus with Cara for a couple years. Cara was always so kind and willing to help me by letting me follow her to any field trip I was afraid of getting lost. Cara will be greatly missed.
Jeanine Hill
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My memories of Cara are entwined with Namibia and the sweet fellowship we 6 ladies enjoyed together. Precious memories.
Lorraine /Greg Spurrell
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We are so sorry for your families loss , Cara was a wonderful lady and we will cherish the memories and the time she spend with us . She will deeply missed
Dawn Service
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Dear Phil and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear wife and mother. She will be sadly missed. Still remember having you over for supper after Rimbey Special meetings and how she had us in stitches! 💕
Nerissa
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I first met Cara when she was working in the Photography Dept. at the University Hospital. My job took me there frequently and we became friends. I remember Phil working as a security guard in the hospital when they met. Eventually, Cara & Phil married and had Julia & Caleb. She was such a good Mom & treasured her children. When moved to Vancouver Island, we lost touch for a few years, but reunited on Facebook. It was wonderful to read & see the photos of their travels. Her journey with cancer has been a difficult one, but she always kept her faith. She is now at peace and my thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are left behind.
Karen Purdy
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A very bright light in my life has passed on to her Heavenly Father. Cara embraced life to the fullest and her joy and love for people was evident in her daily life. I was honoured that she and I had conversations about her impending passing and she was just so grateful that she had lived the best life and her loving family and friends were so dear to her. She wasn’t afraid and I am sure that was because of her deep faith. She was a friend who could make me belly laugh and we did share some great times. I will cherish her memory everyday and be grateful that I got to know wonderful Cara…
Judy Myers
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Cara was one of my most treasured friends. We had so many special moments and travels together. She always brightened the day. Even in her battle, she remained so positive. She will be missed by many and by all.
May the joy of her life comfort you.
Connie Collins
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I had the immense pleasure of working with Cara for several years, and she was truly a joy to know. Her strong faith and convictions were always clear, yet one of her most beautiful qualities was her open-hearted acceptance of others’ beliefs and practices. Kind, funny, gentle, and generous, Cara embodied the essence of a beautiful soul. I am deeply grateful for the gift of knowing her. Rest in peace, lovely lady.
Teri Saretsky
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I remember when Cara came to help out the PMO office at Tawa during her time at Covenant Health; she was so helpful and happy and always smiling. I always admired her fashionable glasses collection and looking through her photo books when she and Phill returned from their travels. Cara I wish peace and love to you and to your family.
Sterling & Marilyn Cooke
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Thinking of you and the family at this time of loss. Our sincere condolences!
Marilyn Watson
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So very sorry for your loss. Only time will help to heal .
Tom and Marilyn Watson
Ross and Mary Jayne
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Thinking of you Phil and family as you go through this very Difficult time. Praying that you feel the comfort of our Saviour.