In Loving Memory
Nadene Carline
December 28, 1945 – 1 June, 2023
Celebration of Life
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Metchosin Community Hall
Metchosin, BC
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Photo Video Tribute
Nadene Gail Carline Obituary
Nadene had an irresistible personality, with an infectious laugh, sparkling smile and ever-positive attitude which brought joy to everyone she met. She was gentle, kind and generous. She had a strong sense of right and wrong, but always applied it with a forbearance and understanding of the nature and circumstances of others. What others might see as flaws, she would enthusiastically embrace as individuality.
So, it was natural that she took to teaching. Children were her passion. She came to school early to ensure the class preparation was just right; she stayed late to be available to anyone who needed help; every summer was spent researching practical educational issues and completely revamping the teaching plans and materials she had used before. She was adored by students and parents alike.
In 1970, on a visit to her friend Noreen, in Waterloo, Ontario, she met Johnny Carline. Noreen’s boyfriend, Tom, had asked Johnny to make up a foursome and try to “take Nadene off their hands” for the evening. Johnny did, but not just for the evening. It was love at first dance. They got engaged within a month, married within four, and remained totally in love for the next 53 years.
In 1975 she had her first child, Jonathan, and stepped away from teaching to focus her attention on her new parental responsibilities. The qualities that had made her such a superb teacher also made her a superb mother. Medical complications indicated that having a second child could be dangerous but when it was determined, in 1979, that another child might be possible, her second child, Gareth, “her little angel”, was born soon afterwards. She wanted her boys to grow up with an unbreakable bond to last beyond her and, indeed, the bond between them all would remain forever deep and strong.
She turned to volunteering, teaching language skills to would-be citizens and life skills to mentally disabled. Then, much against her will, she was persuaded to run for election for School Trustee in New Westminster. She would win three terms, all the while rejecting partisan politics and remaining resolutely independent. She was elected Chair of the Board and through her positive, non-confrontational style won unprecedented Provincial funding to ensure the replacement of Spencer School would meet post Oakland-San Francisco earthquake standards.
But the classroom always beckoned. She quit politics, returned to teaching in Richmond, and spent the happiest days of her career there. Provincial officials singled her out to be a model for teacher education. In 2009, after a career spanning over four decades, she retired, happy and fulfilled, having changed the lives of scores of children and aspiring teachers.
In 2011, she and Johnny moved to Metchosin where she pursued her passions for literature (joining the book club), theatre, walking, watching the swans and buffleheads which always made her laugh, and following sports, especially tennis and soccer. She and Johnny spent her last morning at home enthusiastically cheering on their beloved Newcastle United winning a spot in the European Champions League.
Most of all, she simply enjoyed the company of the friends she made in her new community.
All this was ended on June 1, when Nadene died after two cruel brain hemorrhages. Johnny, her boys (Jonathan and Gareth), her sister (Karen) and brother-in-law (Ramesh) were at her bedside. Her daughters-in-law (Nicole and Lenorah) and granddaughters (Kate and Alexandria) maintained a remote, loving vigil.
Nadene leaves a hole in our lives that can never be filled, a hurt in our hearts that will take an eternity to heal. She also left us an example of dauntless courage to face the storms that occur in life and of an unalterably positive attitude, to think the best of people and to brighten every day.
Bereft we may be; but we are still the luckiest of people to have known, loved and been loved by this wonderful and special lady.
A celebration of her life, sharing and enjoying stories about Nadene, will be held at the Metchosin Community Hall on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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My wife Janet was raised in Regina Saskatchewan and when she was ten years old she was living in her Grandmother’s home along with Grandma Lines’ daughters who had become attractive young women. They lived on Retallack Street, just south of the Trianon Dance Hall, the destination of many servicemen who in 1944 and 1945 were training to become Air Force pilots. Lee Bailey was one of them and he ended up marrying Ruby, one of the daughters he met as he walked by. When World War 2 was over, Toronto became home where Nadene was born.
When she was a preschooler, her mother Ruby successfully prevailed upon Grandma Lines to leave Regina and come and live with the Baileys in Toronto. Grandma Lines helped to produce some of the same characteristics in Nadene (and in her sister Karen) that had earlier been produced in my wife. However, Nadene was very much her own intelligent successful individual, outgoing, polite, charming, diligent, fun and with a tendency to confront and argue with authority.
Grandma Lines was a policeman and Johnny found that out when he first came calling at the Bailey household in Toronto.and was refused entry (probably his long hair). Nadene showed her spirit and Johnny was admitted and we know the story since then. A very happy story of two people who shared the same dreams and went on to accomplish them.
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So many words to describe Nadene. A caring, wonderful teacher, a sparkling personality, a warm, positive attitude always, intelligent, inquisitive and interested in learning more and more. It was a privilege and honour to have known Nadene as a teacher and to see the incredible work she did with her students. She was a friend and colleague. She was a gift to all and it was of great sadness to hear of her passing.
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The moment I walked into Nadine’s classrom I knew that it was pure magic and I needed to stay longer. Nadine became my sponsor teacher and mentor. She was the epitome of the Kindergarten teacher you remember forever, so full of warmth, kindness, and endless songs! Thank you, Nadine for inspiring me to follow in your footsteps.
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Nadine was my sponsor teacher and boy was I incredibly lucky to have such a kind, knowledgable, and generous person to be my first (and favourite) mentor in the education field. To think of the generations of students who were lucky enough to be impacted by her, and the legions of teachers she has mentored, it’s amazing to think how far and how wide her impact really is. She has left so much kindness, warmth and love in this world, and I can not think of a better legacy.
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We have happy memories of ‘Dene from our formative years in Toronto where our young families grew up together. Our daughter Jane’s middle name is Nadene. In those days, ‘Dene gave her unique and appealing dash of brio to our social gatherings. Always cheerful, positive and supportive, you could not have a better friend than ‘Dene. Neither time nor distance have diminished these feelings of deep friendship and now we feel a great sense of loss. Your name lives on with us ‘Dene and we will never forget how lucky we were to have known you.
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Nadene was a positive influence in my life and also the lives of my children. She was so generous with her knowledge and time. I’ll always remember her amazing abilitiy to tiptoe through bureaucracy, quietly and calmly encouraging the outcome to be on the better side. Her walking on this planet has enriched so many lives, thankfully I was among those she chose to befriend. My sincere condolences to her fabulous family, she will be greatly missed.
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Nadine was an amazing educator and colleague. Her humour, dedication to students and their families and curiosity are a small part of her legacy. Sending her family thoughts and prayers.
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What lovely memories I have of Nadene’s wide smile, infectious laughter, and positive thoughts. As her next door classroom teacher of several years, I always looked forward to chatting with her about teaching, life, children, and family. She was such a bright light. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
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When I first met Nadine, she was so kind and helpful as a fellow Kindergarten teacher. She was always willing to help with her creative ideas. Her students loved her and she always taught in a loving manner with extremely engaging activities. She will be missed. Her kindness and passion for teaching live on with the student teachers who were lucky enough to have her as their Teacher Advisor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She always spoke about her family with love.
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Saddened to hear of Nadine’s passing, we only met her twice & what a very nice lady she was, so sad.
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The moment your Mom arrived at the pool the sun shone brighter. Her spark of positivity and her vibrant energy was seen in her smile and and heard in her laugher. I admired the way your Mom navigated her life with gratefulness and hope. My heartfelt condolences to the family. May you find comfort in knowing your Mom’s gift of positivity lives on in all who had the privilege to know her.
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It seems like yesterday that we spent so many happy hours with Dene and Johnny in Graduate Student days and then while working with Johnny at Toronto City Hall. Hard to believe that I first met her 51 years ago. A hostess supreme at the many impromptu open house parties and always a wonderful person to talk with who always seemed to know the right thing to say. Christmas Eve at the Carlines was a “not to miss” occasion for many years – even the year when the dog stole the ham which didn’t seem to faze her at all. The memories live on and are treasured.
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Aunty Nadene, you will always be remembered by me as the kind, full of life and thoughtful great Aunt. You saw the bright side to everything in life and I aspire to see the world in the light you did. I will forever be grateful you were able to travel to NZ for Dylan and my wedding & the Christmas we spent with you all those years ago, those memories I will cherish forever. You will be missed immensely. Lots of Love
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Nadine, you were such an amazing buddy class teacher. I really enjoyed all the fun times we had teaching together. You are truly an incredible person and inspiring teacher. We will all miss you!