Carmel Barbara Carrigan

Carmel Barbara Carrigan, née Romo, was born on July 15, 1933, to Muriel and Andrew Romo in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She lived a life grounded in family, faith, and service, and she will be remembered with deep love and respect by all who knew her.

Carmel graduated from Dalhousie University in 1952, earning a Licentiate in Music, with an emphasis on vocal performance, a reflection of her discipline and talent. She went on to teach music for many years, sharing her knowledge and passion with generations of students. Among her many contributions, she taught at the Nova Scotia Youth Training Centre, where she recorded an album with her students, and performed before Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, accomplishments of which she was deeply proud.

A devoted musician throughout her life, in addition to teaching music, Carmel was a classical singer, played the organ and conducted church choirs. In her early years she sang with the renowned Armdale Girls’ Choir, a formative and enriching experience that laid the foundation for her life-long commitment to music and community.

In her retirement, Carmel remained deeply dedicated to service. She was an active volunteer at Scott Manor House in Bedford, with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and with Beacon House. She was an involved member of Women for Music Society. In recognition of her generosity and commitment, she was honored with both local and provincial Volunteer Awards.

Carmel had the opportunity to live in Jamaica and Barbados and she traveled extensively throughout the world. A consummate host, she delighted in cooking and entertaining for her family and friends.

Carmel was a woman of faith and a long-time member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Bedford, NS, where her warm and generous nature touched many lives.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Gillis Carrigan, her children Katherine (Richard), Taska (Clark), and Gil, and her grandchildren Matthias and Carrigan, who were the centre of her life and her greatest pride. She is also survived by her cherished siblings, Caroline (Philip), Deanna (the late Stuart), and Charlene (Gary), as well as her brother Francis (Barbara), who predeceased her. She also treasured her many nieces and nephews and their families.

Carmel will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A funeral mass will be held at St Ignatius Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carmel’s memory to the Maritime Conservatory of the Performing Arts (https://maritimeconservatory.com/donate/) or the St Vincent de Paul Society (https://ssvp.ca/donate/ ).

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Ignatius church in Bedford on Monday, April 27 at 12:15 pm, with a reception immediately following in the Parish Hall.