Last night I had a dream about Dr. Monahan. As I haven’t been in touch with the Department for a few years, I have not been aware of any remarkable news.
This morning, after reading of her passing, I was sorely moved and shed not just a few tears. I know she will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and also former students.
Throughout the many (often troubled) years it took me to finally graduate with a BA Hons in Hispanic Studies, she was always there with sympathy and a smile—promising that, “Don’t worry, Connie. We’ll get you graduated!” (And she did—along with much help from Dr. Rossi and Dr. Andrachuk).
I also recall her laugh ringing around our tiny corner department on the 4th floor of the Clearihue (what depth, her voice—she could have been an opera diva!) As well, she and I would often choose to take the stairs rather than the elevator: a good workout for the legs and safer in case of elevator failure. All the better for her squash game and easier on the claustrophobia.
While attempting a Master's degree, I was (gracias a Dr. Howard) also teaching part-time at Pearson College. I had an 8–10 class to teach at Pearson & a Spanish Golden Age Drama class with Dr. Monahan beginning at 11am. I had to drive like mad to make the Drama class; usually I flew through the door, breathless and barely in time. She might have been disturbed at my disruption, yet without fail she would grandly announce (to both me and the entire class), “Muy bien, Connie! You made it!”
These are a few of my many personal memories of Professor Caroline Monahan: aside from her outstanding scholarship, she was an excellent teacher and a good soul. I am sure I am not the only former student who is saddened by her passing.  After all, if she is still in my dreams, perhaps others dream of her, too…


Caroline and I met over 60 years ago during our early days at UBC.  We became reacquainted about 30 years later, when we started making annual trips to Thetis Island and later toSechelt to play Sabble in Spanish or English, invited by our mutual friend Judy.  We enjoyed some very good times together - swimming, good conversation, wine and food and lots of laughter, I will miss her very much.  My most heartfelt condolences to all her family.
.
Dorothy Yada

Both Jean and I have known Caroline for well over 50 years now -- many lovely memories fom our wonderful foursome (along with our dear friend Dr. Edwards (Max)) -- It will be an empty Christmas this year without Caroline as we always got together for a Christmas/birthday celebration. Throughout the year we would meet regularly for meals and get-togethers and so once again our circle shrinks a little tighter and we come to that realization that all things come to pass by and that we should take the time to say thank you to each other and tell one another of our mutual love.  Thank you Caroline for your friendship and best wishes to your family.  -- I will always remember our meal at the Crow and Gate where you returned to your seat with wide eyes of deep concentration as you carefully carried two very full glasses of Kilkenny Cream Ales without spilling a drop! For your fine effort the whole pub gave you a "Standing Ovation" ! You were always one for the dramatics!  Love you Caroline -- We're going to miss you dearly!

I had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable lady ten years ago.
Warm compassionate, loving, caring, sharp, smart and on the ball.
The world needs more like her.
Godspeed  my friend. 

Love ❤ to all those whose hearts she touched. 

Kathleen 

I’ve known Caroline for 70 years!
I first met her and the whole family when they came to stay for holidays with Aunty Mame in Welburn, the village where I lived, in Yorkshire.
Then they moved to Canada and we had little contact, but when I moved to Vancouver I rediscovered Agnes and Hugh, and the, by now, extended, family.
After that I really got to know Caroline, when she visited the UK and I visited Vancouver and Victoria. I’ve been wondering how to encapsulate her and her many interests, and my many memories, and I’ve decided I can only do it by making a list:
Early years in Welburn
Later years her research in London, theatres and galleries.
Opera
North Vancouver with Agnes and Hugh
Hearing of her adventures kayaking around Haida Gwaii
Narrowboating in England
Laughter
Dufferin and ‘my’ room upstairs,  and Caroline’s easy hospitality, picking me up and taking me to the ferry, showing me the beauties of Victoria, the Gulf Islands and beyond. Playing Scrabble. She usually won. Meeting her friends
A reprise of Sister Wendy. More laughter.
Birdwatching
Reading groups in English and Spanish
Japanese food
Clearing the study
Clearing the study
More laughter……………………………………………..

Caroline was a special person, a one-off. I am lucky to have known her.



I am very sad to hear of our first cousin, Caroline's, death. She was a bridesmaid at our parents' wedding and very much part of our young lives.  I remember her staying with our grandmother down the road and her visits while she was doing her research.  And much later, when she visited relations in Suffolk and I met up with her there together with my father and step-mother.  I, too, remember her twinkle, together her terrific, dry sense of humour and basic good sense.  My thoughts go out to her brother, Patrick and Kevin and all the Canadian family.


I knew Caroline for 54 years. During that time we had occasional adventures in many parts of the world from Spain to Uzbekistan, Bhutan to Quadra Island. To our unfailing delight, we found that we always had the same opinions of our fellow travelers, which meant that we could gossip wonderfully and wickedly whenever anything happened. We shared memories and laughed right to our last tea together, just a day or two before she went into hospital. I shall miss her.


My deepest condolences for the Monahan family. I am saddened to have lost a superb colleague and good friend.  I recall the warm welcomed she gave me when I joined the University, remaining always a gracious and positive presence.  Caroline was very well loved by her students and colleagues. I enjoyed hearing her talk about opera.

My condolences to Caroline's family on this great loss.  Caroline was an excellent colleague with a wonderful sense of humor who was invaluable in fostering collegiality at the university.  I very much enjoyed swapping stories with her about birding in distant locales; encountering her at the opera was always a delight.

It is with much sadness that I received the news of Caroline’s passing. I taught for one year at the University of Victoria and was fortunate to meet and work with Caroline. I had read and heard about “a twinkle in her eye” and thought it was a nice metaphor until I met Caroline and saw that it actually was for real! Caroline’s eyes indeed twinkled with mischief and a great sense of humour. Several years after working together our paths would cross again for a couple of summers in London, where we both were researching at the British Library. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and catch up with lengthy teas in the cafeteria. I loved reminiscing and laughing with her. I will not forget Caroline’s kindness, intelligence, and generosity. Furthermore, she was a wonderful squash player who would gently and frequently beat me! 
With gratitude for her friendship and with deepest sympathy,
Patricia Varas


Dear Pat, Kevin and all the family,
It is too painful for me at this time to begin to express what Caroline’s friendship has meant to me for the past 37 years. I will never forget Caroline’s kindness, generosity and support which she extended to me and to my children always, and especially how she stood by me in some of the most difficult times of my life. Caroline was a wonderful colleague with a true sense of fairness and a most loyal friend. She always spoke with great affection about all her family whom she clearly adored. I’m thinking of all of you at this saddest of times and I appreciate your highlighting her great sense of fun which provided us all with laughter and joy. I will always remember her smile, her joie-de-vivre: I will miss her terribly. 
Elena Rossi

I knew Caroline when the family was living in London and we were young children. I described Carloline as my ‘ bestest friend’.  She was a lovely person. Because of Carlonine I too went to Hengrave. I did not want to be left behind when she went to school. I was  sorry when  the family left for Canada in 1957 but very pleased to re-connect with her in more recent times. I am sure she will be very much missed by her family and friends. She was such a lovely person.
Jane

A dear, kind, caring woman with a great sense of humour and curiosity … Caroline and I spent endless hours over the more than two decades that we were neighbours, gossiping in the garden, solving the problems of the world and trying to wrap our heads around political climates. We quietly watched out for each other, and teased about the late hour that our cars pulled into the driveway after and evening out.
A steadfast neighbour, that  I could always count to have a cup of sugar or an extra onion. 
I am so grateful that I was able to have a  lovely long visit with her earlier in the fall. I will miss her and her good sense.
May her memory always be for a blessing. 💜
Eileen Smith

I am very saddened and sorry to hear about Caroline’s passing. I have known Caroline for many decades as a family friend and she has always been a lovely, kind, vibrant lady. I will miss her so very much at family gatherings. My sincere sympathy to all of the family. 💗

OBITUARY

Caroline Monahan

December 13, 1939 – November 1, 2022

First Memorial Funeral Services

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