Carmelita Santos Pride

With heavy hearts and loving remembrance, we announce the peaceful passing of Carmelita Santos Pride on July 9, 2026, at Bow View Manor, a continuing care home in Calgary, Alberta. Carmelita was born on March 21, 1943, in Malabon, Manila, Philippines, and her journey through life was marked by unwavering dedication, warmth, and a spirit that touched all who knew her.

Carmelita’s academic pursuits began in her beloved homeland, where she graduated with a Biochemistry Degree from the University of Santa Tomas, Manila, founded in 1611. 

In the summer of 1965, Carmelita, along with two university classmates, took a courageous leap and emigrated to Canada. Their first Canadian venture began at the hospital in Timmins, Ontario, where Carmelita worked in the chemistry lab. Her journey continued with a post at the hospital in Trail, British Columbia, before she moved in the summer of 1968 to the Queen Mary Veterans Hospital in Montreal—a city that soon became central to her story.

Love found Carmelita in Montreal, where she met Stephen, her future husband. Their wedding in the spring of 1970, arranged with great care by her beloved parents back home in the Philippines, stands out as one of the many cherished milestones in Carmelita’s life. Following their marriage, Carmelita and Stephen built a loving life together in Canada. For the next twenty-seven years, Carmelita devoted herself to the Queen Mary Veterans Hospital and later St. Anne's Veterans Hospital in Montreal, making countless contributions to the well-being of patients and colleagues.

Upon retirement in 1998, Carmelita and Stephen embraced a new chapter, settling in Cochrane, Alberta. Their winters were joyfully spent in Sun City, Arizona, where Carmelita’s zest for life was ever apparent—she found immense delight as an active member in the local Rock Hound and silver jewelry making clubs, sharing laughter and camaraderie with friends old and new. 

She leaves behind her loving husband Stephen; her sister-in-law Bi Santos of Toronto; her brother-in-law David Notman of Bermuda; her nieces Michelle (Ed) Sawatzky of Paraguay and Christine Santos of Toronto; her nephew Dondi (Grace) Santos and daughter Sofia of Los Angeles, California; and her nephews-in-law, Hugh (Sebrina and children Oscar and Hugo) of Canmore and Stephen Notman of Bermuda. She was predeceased by her mother Simeona and father Leodegario Santos, her brother Rene Santos, and her sister-in-law Susanne Pride.

She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.