Celene Alyssa Miles

December 26, 1975 - August 22, 2015

On August 22, 2015 as the weather raged and the sky was dark, our beautiful Celene beat cancer. She let go of its powerful hold and moved peacefully into that good night. Beating cancer is not about living or dying, beating cancer is about the attitude you take, and Celene was an example of optimism at its finest. She was a beautiful inspiration, a graceful warrior, proud and strong, with a smile that could stop a room. She fought so hard, and for so long. Celene is survived by her mother, Linda Nelson, the woman from whom she learned her indomitable strength; her two dads, Tom Miles and Tom Hayward; her sisters, Amanda Hayward (Mike Drake) and Emilie Hayward (Toshio Nishimura), created a special bond, and nicknamed themselves the "ACE" sisters; her brother Jeffery Miles (Yilun Su); her nieces Miller and Davis Drake and nephew Morgan Miles, all of whom she was very proud. Her far-reaching family included numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, with strong matriarchs: her beloved grandmother Sarah Nelson and Nana Irene Miles. Special friends; Tara Evans, a constant childhood friend who stood beside her all the way. Tara and Celene could always find humour in the most unexpected places. Tina Stefanson who spent countless hours taking Celene to medical appointments and just being there for Celene. Jenny Gompf who started her on a magical and spiritual journey that was great comfort to Celene. Melina Chohan who spent many TV and movie nights together. Pia Athayde who was a strong mentor who became a close friend. Jamie Scott-Haywood who travelled this cancer journey alongside Celene. Celene was a fiercely loyal friend. To all of Celene's friends, we thank you for staying close. Celene battled cancer as a teenager, and this third diagnosis was met with courage and unwavering determination to beat cancer again. Through all of the treatments, her joyful personality and unshakeable optimism carried her, as well as everyone around her. Her brilliant soul and radiant smile touched everyone she met. Her positive attitude will forever be an inspiration. Celene worked in the film industry as a First Assistant Accountant since 2002 up until her diagnosis last January, 2014. In that role, she came in contact with many people who have expressed their sadness and are remembering her wonderfulness. The family would like to thank all of the dedicated professionals who looked after our "Beanie." The nurses at Buhler Cancer Care, VGH, where she felt so comfortable with Claudette, Karen, Delleen, Shawna, Brooke, Eleanor, and Erin. To Anjanie for her weekly inspirational meetings with Celene. Doctors Bedder, Ogaranko, Gordon, and Czaykowski. A very special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris Turner, who saw her through her two teenage cancer diagnoses, and through these last 18 months. The care and determination of all these individuals, along with Celene's strength to live, gave us more time together. Our gratitude to all of the love and prayers that surrounded Celene and our family over the last twenty months has been heartfelt. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Celene's honour to Winnipeg Naturopathic Clinic 459 William Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3A 0J5. In keeping with Celene's wishes, please join us to celebrate Celene's life on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at The Fort Garry Hotel - 7th Floor. Tributes begin at 3:00 p.m. Dress brightly!