Obituary of Carmen Vincella Thompson

January 14, 1953 – St. Andrews Parish, Jamaica

November 24, 2021 – Edmonton, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Vincella Thompson on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 in her 68^th year after a brief battle with ovarian cancer.

Vincella lived in Fort McMurray, AB for nearly 40 years after immigrating to Canada from Jamaica and spending her adolescent and early adult years in Ontario. She was a pillar in the Fort McMurray community, and she saw the importance of using her time and talents to help others. Vincella was a co-founder of the Fort McMurray Christian School, served as President of the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo, volunteered as a board member of the Alberta Persons with Development Disabilities Board and the Canadian Mental Health Association, and served as an Elder at the McMurray Gospel Assembly, in addition to numerous other volunteer roles.

Vincella valued education and was committed to being a life-long learner. During her life she earned a Bachelor of Education degree and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) degree from the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Master of Arts (Special Education) degree and Doctor of Philosophy (Performance Improvement) degree from Capella University. She regularly counselled and encouraged others to pursue higher education, and she dreamed ambitious dreams for her children.

After working as an elementary school teacher and private consultant for a number of years, Vincella pursued a career in the post-secondary education sector at Keyano College. She was instrumental in bringing new academic programs to the institution throughout her eighteen-year career, such as the Collaborative Bachelor of Elementary Education Program in 2007. In her last role as Dean, University Studies, Career Programs and Academic Upgrading, she oversaw the development and implementation of many new programs. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues.

Vincella accomplished much throughout her life and was particularly proud the successes and achievements of her children, her community-building volunteerism in Fort McMurray, her professional career, and the countless people she was able to mentor and guide.  In 2020, Vincella was recognized and honoured as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Women in Canada for her lifetime of achievements and contributions to her community.

In her personal life, Vincella was a loving, intuitive mother, and she was always available to support her children by listening, providing guidance, and praying with and for them. She loved being a grandmother and sought out opportunities to build relationships with and dote upon her six grandchildren. She was a steadfast sister who understood the value of family. She was also a selfless friend and trusted advisor. Vincella loved Jesus and dedicated her life to honouring and serving the Lord in all that she did. She will be most remembered for her thoughtful intellect, loving kindness, sense of humor, loyalty and dedication to her family, and her strong Christian faith. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Vincella was the beloved mother and mother-in-law of Peter and Adele Thompson, Sarah and Adam Coderre, and Jennifer and Adrian Stacey. She was a loving and energetic grandmother to Callan and Isaac, Penelope and Benjamin, and Amelia and Zoey. Vincella was a devoted and caring sister to Linette Brazell, the late Una Reynolds, Kema and David Dwarka, Pearl and Gordon Adderley, Josephine and Ron Roopnarine, Michael Lindsay, and Jean Fleming and Eric Eaton.

Memorial Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway Deerfoot South (12281 - 40 St SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Dr. Thompson’s service streamed live below on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In lieu of flowers, Vincella’s family asks that donations be made to the Dr. Vincella Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Keyano College: www.keyano.ca/donatenow 

In living memory of Vincella Thompson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes,, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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