Carolyn Jo Monette (CJ)

With broken hearts, we are sad to say Carolyn Jo Monette passed away at the age of 64 in Duncan on July 16, 2025. Surrounded by her family she passed peacefully and naturally, filled with love after her fight with pancreatic cancer, which she fought with so much grace and bravery.

She was born on March 31, 1961, in New Westminster. She was adopted by her parents Violet and Jack Rosevear. Prince George was where she grew up with her mother, (late) father and (late) brother Neil. Her childhood years were spent working and skiing at Purden Ski Hill with her family, fishing, biking and enjoying the outdoors.

The first 37 years of her life were spent living in Prince George, Vancouver, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. She went to university while in Vancouver in the science and math field. She ended up getting a degree in Biology in New Brunswick. She moved from Newfoundland to Victoria where she met her husband (Brad) in 1997. Carolyn and Brad were both working for the BC Government. It was true love at first sight, and they got married one year later at China Beach and had their first child (Todd) in 1998. When she was pregnant with her second child (Sarah) in 2000, her husband was diagnosed with liver cancer. They had their third child in 2003 (Julia), so they decided to make as many memories as possible with their family, taking many family vacations, having parties with friends.

They started and ran a family plumbing business together (Swift Plumbing) for 25 years. The business is where Carolyn could shine with all her natural skills in math, accounting, management, computers and all aspects of owning a business. She single-handedly ran the entire office of Swift Plumbing for 25 years. She did this while loving and caring for her sick husband, 3 very busy kids, building a custom home, ensuring the family vacationed, travelled, and played in all sports. Carolyn never missed any of the kids’ practices, games, school assemblies or special events. Every birthday was celebrated with flare. Every Christmas and special occasion was celebrated to its fullest. She enjoyed cooking for her family and all her friends whenever she could throw a party (which Carolyn and Brad had many).

She supported and loved her husband throughout his cancer journey, through endless chemo treatments, while raising their family together. Her love and commitment to Brad’s health is the reason he lived until he got a liver transplant in 2023 and was cancer free. Sadly, only one year later Carolyn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, heartbreaking news for everyone in her life. She did start a new job at St. Johns Academy in Shawnigan Lake in 2023 as an office administrator. She was very excited to meet new people and enjoyed the entire workplace and kids. While working here it was unfortunately discovered she had cancer and needed to leave her position.

She was very good at and enjoyed golfing with her husband, son and friends, bowling, reading on a sunny day, playing bocce, or any activity she could do with her family. One of her life mottos was to live for today, love fully and laugh as much as possible. She had a love for music, and any chance she had to sing or dance she took it.

Carolyn was a devoted and loving mother, wife and friend, her family was everything to her.

She was a beautiful light in the lives of everyone she knew and had endless love for those she cared for. Carolyn was known for sharing her home to all of the kids’ friends who would attest that they could eat, sleep and be safe in our home whenever they wanted. The home was always full of friends and love.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her will never forget her infectious laugh, radiant smile, kind soul and her love for life. She will be immensely missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Carolyn (CJ) fortunately passed her beautiful soul, forgiving heart, endless and devoted love of life, kind smile and beauty to her 3 children.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Brad Monette whom she was happily married to for 27 years, and her three children Todd, Sarah (Connor) and Julia (Will) and her beloved dog Tazzie, who never left her side.

Please join us for a celebration of Carolyn’s life which will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 11am to 3pm at the Monette family home. Please RSVP: [email protected] if attending and for the address. Flowers or Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society are appreciated.