Donna Carleen Severs

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Carleen Severs peacefully at home on March 19, 2022. Carleen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. She was a kind, generous, spunky and adventurous person who will be missed by all who knew her.

Carleen was devoted to her family – married 65 years to her high school sweetheart, Don. They had years of enjoyment with their 3 children in their world travels with Don’s international career in the oil industry. They lived in Aruba, New York, England and the Middle East before settling back in Canada. No matter where they lived, she always created a warm and inviting home and carried on family traditions. They finally settled in Calgary which became their chosen home and her grown children then also followed. Even after spending 7 years of retirement on Vancouver Island, they returned home to Calgary for their final years.

The years in Aruba held a special place in their hearts – and they created a legacy of family time in Aruba. Her last trip there was a family celebration of her 80th birthday where she and Don shared their many stories and memories.

Carleen enjoyed her career in HR with Shell and after retiring opened a small clothing business for seniors. She and Don loved politics and for years they were involved in running election campaigns, both provincial and federal. She became the Chief Returning Officer and served this role with pride. She also loved following international politics and was a CNN junkie for years. She and Don loved to travel – especially cruises in the later years with their cousins and best friends, Doug and Doreen Beffort. But nothing gave her more pleasure than spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – and she has left them all with beautiful memories and solid family values. She lived a full life with many experiences and antics – including her music video debut (and finale) at age 83.

Carleen will be sadly missed by her daughters Wendy Smeltzer (Robert), Dee Filippetto (Lucio); her five grandchildren, Laura (Tyler) and Rob (Kaitlin), Michael, Jillian (Jake) and Kira; great-grandchildren Jayde, Jason, Jacob and Maddox; and her constant companion, Auggie Doggie. She is predeceased by Don, her loving husband of 65 years; her son, Gary; and also will be missed by her daughter-in-law Geri Severs. The Beffort clan were special to her and she will be lovingly remembered by Doug and Doreen, Scott and Heather, Dave and Cathy and Steve and Jenny and their families.

A private family graveside service will be held to celebrate her life.