Devoted mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
The time has come for us to say our last goodbye to our beloved Carmen Gomes, devoted mother, sister, aunt, friend and joy to everyone who knew her.
Carmen passed away peacefully on the morning of “Love Day” February 14, 2021 in Barrie, Ontario, just shy of her 91st birthday. She passed on the day fitting to the woman she represented. Love.
Carmen was born Carmina Doreen Gomes in Guyana in 1930 to parents Alfred Nathaniel Gomes and Rosa Augusta Gomes. She was a sister to Marie, John, George, Joe, Rose, Renee, Ursula and Maureen.
Carmen grew up in a time of no electricity, telephones, televisions and toys and strict curfews. Her favourite game as a child was playing hide-and-go-seek.
After completing grade school, Carmen married her husband Rudolph Davenport at age 18. She would go on to have 17 children of which 10 are still living.
She would later marry Eustace Hunte. She outlived both her husbands.
Carmen had a gift for singing, dancing and telling stories. She also had a gift of raising the divine in others. She was a powerful woman of God who was beautiful from the inside out. Everyone who knew her loved her. She helped so many people during her lifetime. She blessed her children and raised them up. She always had a smile for you when your smile was upside down and her arms were always wide open to hold you, help you or hug you.
If you had the pleasure of talking with her you would hear of her famous love stories, her childhood days dancing, climbing trees and helping around the house. She always made jokes about having no television so she found other ways of entertainment by making babies. She had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh.
She Took Pride in her ability and craftiness in Helping people to Come to Canada.
As Her Grandson Daniel put it, “The legend was running an illegal immigration firm, she brought 20000 guyanese people here..... y'all don't know about my grandma in the 80s 🙃 she is the reason I have my entrepreneurial gene!”
In her Golden years she enjoyed spending time at family functions reminiscing with her sisters, playing with her grandchildren and talking with her children and great grandchildren. She was always there to listen and she gave the best advice. When she spoke you could tell she lived a life she loved.
“Regrets, I’ve had a few, but too few to mention” she would say! She would smile and you could see the twinkle in her eye and when you weren’t looking, you could spot her dancing as if no one was watching in a corner somewhere.
Carmen spent her quiet time talking to her Father God as she put it. She prayed daily for her loved ones and blessed them all.
In her past time she enjoyed “Word Search” puzzles and reading her Bible.
She lived a life of compassion and care for others and devoted herself selflessly to her family and loved ones. She always made people feel welcomed in her presence. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
Carmen leaves behind her 10 children, Greg, Aubrey, Ingrid, Debbie, Clement, Monty, Lance, Anita, Sean and Sharon, her 37 grandchildren and 39+ great grandchildren (still growing) and a host of other family members and friends.
Carmen was the Matriarch of Her Family. She taught us to stay close and unified and to always put God First. Rejoice! For There is No Doubt that She Rests in His Arms.
The Woman.
The Legend.
The Queen.
Our Forever Valentine ♥️🌹
In honour of Carmen's zest and love for life, the family asks that you refrain from wearing black and instead celebrate her life by wearing something of colour!!
1 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.