Ancient Burials Obituary and Death Notices

Thomas, Carolyn 'Vail'

10/2/2023

Sunrise April 10, 1957 ~ Sunset September 17, 2023
With deep despair and anguished hearts, we announce the passing of Carolyn "Vail" Thomas.

Vail left us much too soon, at the age of 66 in White Rock, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. Her strong tenacious spirit and giving heart prevailed through her cancer journey touching the lives of so many right until her final goodbye.

Left to miss Vail is her mother Barbara, daughter Alaina, son Marek, brother Roy (MaryLyn), sister Lori (Tony), grandchildren Ava, Thayne, Tayla, as well as her friend and ex-partner Ken, her large extended family, many dear friends and colleagues. Predeceased by brother Mike, father Jack and step-dad Al, as well as ancestors from the Tzeachten First Nations.

Vail lived her life always thinking of others giving her empathy, time and dedication. Her selfless huge heart was at it fullest when she could positively lift others around her up. She was stubborn and opinionated towards what she believed in and protected the ones she loved with virtue. From her time as a ballroom dancing teacher into her extended years with the White Rock Players Club, her love for the arts was a passion she always kept with her. She advocated for the hearing impaired and vulnerable groups, volunteered with the Tour De White Rock and Delta and spent the last 20 years with the Vancouver School Board shaping so many lives.

To commemorate her life and enthusiastic adventuring nature, we will be celebrating Vail's life on October 21, 2023 at Sea Ridge Bays Clubhouse, 15875 20th Ave, South Surrey, from 2-8pm with "memory moments" beginning at 3Pm, where people can share their thoughts and stories with others.

As per Vail's wishes, please dress with bright colours for a party! Bring a favourite appetizer and your own refreshments. Coffee and tea will be provided. Please bring photos and your memories to Star.

Also feel welcome to add your thoughts, stories, pictures, well wishes and memories here online. This will be a going away to remember and celebrate the remarkable woman that Vail was to so many. Photos submitted to [email protected] will then be added to an online slideshow.

Please direct any questions to her sister Lori at 604-839-7116 or her daughter Alaina at 604-441-1904.

To quote Vail, "the show with must go on" so please have her in your daily thoughts, with strength and a smile.

Brother Ry

10/3/2023 07:04:43 pm

I was lucky to have Vail as a sister. She had empathy and integrity. She sometimes pointed me in the right direction and made me a better person! I feel her strength and love yet miss her already!!

Adam Thomas

10/5/2023 09:14:08 pm

I remember my Aunty Vail always being at every family function always there to greet each of us with a hug. Always taking care to organize and never saying a bad word about anybody. Her and I once drank a whole bottle of scotch together, reminiscing and laughing. Aunty Vail we will miss you

Theresa Thomas

10/7/2023 09:35:47 am

My Aunty Vail was a strong, independent woman who was always open to share her thoughts and opinions. She never missed a family event and was always involved in the planning. I saw her give so much love and energy especially to her grandchildren ❤️ and her mom, my grandma. We will miss you Aunty ❤️.

Cecilia Mason

10/10/2023 08:40:25 pm

I had the pleasure of working with Vail.

I loved her spirit, knowledgeable and caring nature.

I was devastated when I heard she'd left this plane today.

She was an amazing individual.

I miss her so much.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Reena Sampat

10/11/2023 01:21:00 pm

I worked with Vail for a year at MacCorkindale and she was a nice and caring person. We got to know each other well on the days she was in the office with me. My deepest condolences and thoughts are with you in losing someone that I could see was very dedicated to her family.

Lynn Grant

10/13/2023 03:53:37 pm

Vail worked at Cunningham for one day a week and her presence was always known. She was the queen of organization, had colourful shoes and she always greeted me with a smile. This news of her passing was a shock! Love and hugs to her family and closest friends.Rest in Peace Vail

Rand

10/15/2023 02:16:50 pm

I looked up to my cousin so much , she was so strong and independent. I'm going to miss her so much

Lori

10/16/2023 08:55:44 am

My big sister had many words that could describe parts of her personality: loyalty; integrity; compassionate; mentor; tough; sensitive; intelligent; literate; stubborn; tenacity; and caring are just a few.

As siblings, we are imprinted by our experiences at different levels at different times, and most will journey down our own singular paths at some point. I feel very fortunate that I had Vail as an older, protective, and loving sister. Our squabbles were usually because our similarities, not our differences.

Vail had a deep sense of community, partially molded from her parents Jack and Barbara and bonus parent of 41 years, Al Renflesh. Public service is what we were brought into this world to do. This is evident throughout Vail's life. The students, the theatre, the places where she shopped. Even her Douglas College Marketing education was used to lift the local businesses, not just to profit for profit's sake with big corporations.

Vail's desire to research everything and find the actual truth was incredible. When she dedicated herself to anything, it was done right!

All that being said, there is still so much more about Vail that was not necessarily shown or known by so many. She was very private, but shone her light on those that asked her thoughts. (and yes, she "held court" many a time!...sigh)

I encourage all that knew my sister to share their memories ;-)

Comments are closed.

Obituaries & Notices

Thomas, Carolyn 'Vail'

LOCAL 604-308-2822

Toll Free 1-800-888-2806

Email

Fax

Obituaries & Notices

Thomas, Carolyn 'Vail'

LOCAL 604-308-2822

Toll Free ​1-800-888-2806

Email

Fax

Toll Free 1-800-888-2806