Obituary of Charmaine Cantwell

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of “Charmaine” Mary Cantwell on December 19^th, 2021 in Cold Lake, Alberta.

Charmaine was born in Tilting (Fogo Island), Newfoundland where she spent the first decade of her life before moving to Gander on the mainland.  Following her graduation from high school she completed her post-secondary education in Nova Scotia:  Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics, St. Francis Xavier University and Master of Science (Occupational Therapy), Dalhousie University.  She successfully completed the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Certification Examination in 2010.

Her passion for photography lead her to fabulous results whether she was in front of a camera lens or behind a camera lens.  Throughout her life she maintained physical fitness through gymnastics at a young age, sports throughout school and continuing with running and exercise throughout adulthood.

Charmaine will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and genuine friend.  She was the life of any party with her positive, upbeat attitude.  Her smile, compounded with a wonderful sense of humour could brighten anyone’s day.

Charmaine is survived by her husband and devoted love of her life, Nicholas Cantwell; daughter, Charlotte; son, Jonas (Cold Lake, Alberta); father, Clarence Foley (Gander, Newfoundland); mother, Phyllis (deceased December 30, 2021); brother, Craig Foley (Marlene), nephews Kaleb and Noah (St. John’s, Newfoundland); parents-in law, Vaughn and Marie Cantwell, New Harris, Nova Scotia; sister-in-law, Lindsey MacIsaac (Matt), nephews Brody and Declan, Halifax, Nova Scotia.  She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

Words cannot begin to express the overwhelming gratitude to all those who helped the family through this difficult time!  The professionalism and caring efforts of paramedics, RCMP and Funeral Home along with the respect and comfort from our cul-de-sac family will never be forgotten.  To all of you who reached out to Charmaine’s children (and continue to do so), thank you for your kindness to help ease their loss.  The warmth and support from our special families has been nothing less than amazing . . . thank you Trudy, Fran, Nathan, Jenny and Darrin. 

The support from Charmaine and Nicholas’ work families has been absolutely staggering.  Thank you to everyone who showed unending support through cards, phone calls, e-mails, donations, food, visits, various gestures of kindness and prayers.

Due to Covid restrictions there will be no formal visitation.  Wherever Charmaine ventured in life her heart was always drawn to Tilting where her roots ran deep.   Cremation has taken place and our beloved Charmaine will be returned to Tilting at a later date.

Whenever grief tries to steal the beauty of your memories, just remember:

Love. Never. Dies.