Myra Carleton

Myra Carleton, age 66, passed away at her home on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 after a courageously fought eight-year battle with ovarian cancer. Myra Lynne Carleton was born October 1, 1955 to Paul & Bernadene (Houston) Janke in Swift Current, SK. After graduating from high school, Myra moved to Edmonton, AB where she received her RN degree at Miseracrodia Hospital. She then worked at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, AB before returning to Swift Current.

On November 12, 1977 Myra married the love of her life, Larry Carleton. Together, they raised three children — Michael, Ryan, and Alicia. She balanced her professional and personal life to the best of her abilities and many of her children’s friends became like their own kids — all were welcome and felt loved at the Carleton home. How Larry & Myra endured the endless shenanigans with a smile, and sometimes a slightly exasperated shake of the head, is a testament to how much they loved their family.

This love was also felt by Myra’s coworkers and patients she had over the years at the Swift Current Union Hospital and later the Cypress Regional Hospital, where she worked until her retirement in July of 2013. She knew her stuff and when Myra talked, you listened. But she also had tremendous compassion and was devoted to caring for the people around her to the best of her abilities. No one could talk as fast as Myra and get as many words in one breath as she did, but it was always worth listening and you usually learned something. Or at the very least, had a good laugh with her.

Myra approached everything in her life with full gusto, nothing was done by half measures. She loved riding motorbike with Larry and was proud to get her license and ride her own Harley Davidson — taking trips all over Canada and the United States with friends and cruising with Larry. As grandkids started arriving, Myra loved spending time with them. The summer of 2021 was spent camping and out on the boat, soaking up as much sun as possible.

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2013 was a blow, but Myra tackled it in typical Myra fashion — leaned into it with everything she had and was determined to make the best of the time she was given. Through surgeries, chemo, and radiation she fought on valiantly and had the opportunity to make new friends through the process. She participated in the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams and she and Larry were able to take a cruise through the Mediterranean. Not everything was easy, and there were certainly dark days — she was certainly a realist and not afraid to tell it like it was — but Myra was strong and remained positive. She was a great source of encouragement to those she met who were also fighting their own battles with cancer and to those who knew her.

Myra found tremendous strength in her faith and relationship with God, He remained her constant source of strength and hope. She hated the cold and though those of us who are left behind miss her tremendously, it is comforting to know she is in the presence of her Savior — free from pain, warm and happy, and reunited with the loved ones and friends that have gone before her. Until we meet again, we will love and remember her forever for the amazing person she was — not a saint, but a sinner saved by grace who was loyal, loving, welcoming, tough as nails, smart, funny, direct, and a devoted wife, mom, and grandma who was deeply devoted to her family.

Myra is survived by her husband of 44 years, Larry Carleton; her children, Michael (Becky) Carleton (Swift Current, SK), Ryan (Lusi) Carleton (Southern China); and Alicia (RJ) Moon (Cold Lake, AB); her grandchildren, Carson, James, Caylee, Phoenix, Jace, and Ellie; her siblings, Mayvis (Dale) Marsh and Doug (Joanne) Janke; her mother-in-law, June Carleton; her sisters-in-law, Pat (Randy) Hlady and Barb (Randy) Sauder; numerous nieces and nephews; and by her many adopted children and friends.

Myra was predeceased by her parents, Paul & Bernie Janke; her father-in-law, Albert Carleton; and by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

At this time, there will be no formal funeral services held.

Interview with Myra can be viewed here

In memory of Myra Carleton, donations made to Ovarian Cancer Canada or Cameco Touchdown for Dreams would be appreciated by the family.

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