What I learned from Carla? Carla and I were co-workers, colleagues, kindred spirits, friends and outsiders in an organization that basically didn't appreciate "experienced-older nurses" 😉. She taught me how to find my wings outside of nursing, how to be adventuress and how to laugh. Carla was freaking funny! Her timing impeccable. I miss her and think of her nearly everyday. I touch the scarf that I picked up at her Celebration Service and wrap it around me when I need her close. Carla taught me the value of nurturing friendships.
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A favorite memory I have is when you boys and your mom came to Houston for a visit. We gave you two and Philip very short haircuts. Then took pictures of you 3 boys and Sara Beth acting silly on the patio. You we're dressed in matching clothes that Gigi had made. So sorry for your loss. I know she'll be missed by many. Love you all.
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Carla was the real MacGyver!
She WAS the best partner to be deep in a ditch with on transport, She was kind, unwavering, and responsive in her respected role of transport. She was a true moral compass for us all. Above all, she was unbelievably kind. Rest, Carla…you have served SO many.
You are loved,
Gerry & Jamie
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I was in total shock when I heard the news of Carla's passing. She was so full of life. My mom (Charlotte ) was always talking about their adventures. She will be truly missed. Our condolences to her family and friends.
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I met sweet Carla when I joined the Presby team as the NICU Social Worker. Little did I know what that would end up becoming for the next 2 decades. A family for more hours a day than we spent at home. Carla was a kind, fierce, welcoming smiles mama bear who lovingly mentored everyone she met. Our friendship grew over the next 30 years through children growing and soulmates enduring the devastation and death of cancer. Carla’s smile and ever loving faith, advice, and wisdom , and love if family will always be with us all. I will truly miss her.💜💜
In response to "How did you first meet Carla?"
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I don’t know if you boys remember coming out to my home in Forney to ride your bikes or me & my boys coming to your home. Your mom came to visit me after I had surgery & I visited her several times. She shared your hand me downs with my boys. She was always loving, giving, & faithful. She shared so many child rearing tips with me. I don’t think anyone could know her & not love her. I am sorry she was taken from your lives so soon.
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Carla was one of a kind - gentle, kind, thoughtful, compassionate to all she met and all she touched. She made everyone feel like they were loved. She is resting in the arms of angels - and we will miss her dearly.
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Carla was the original everything, everywhere, all at once - empathetic, spunky, energetic, and ever mindful of those around her. Not only would she be attentively focused on her patients and their families, but she was aware of the joys and struggles of her colleagues, helping them to grieve their past, recognize their present and hope for their future. Many times she counseled me in the doc's office, cajoling, chiding or patiently listening. She was so remarkably kind and she would go out of her way to help, connect or even construct something for you ( although it always seemed what she did was a natural consequence of her good nature.) When she learned that my mother was ill and in pain, she arrived in the NICU with one of her handmade "popcorn" pillows with instructions as to how best to use it to relieve the discomfort. And there was always that playful sense of humour, as she was ready to initiate a mind-twisting practical joke to lighten the tension in the unit.
She reached out to me last year, asking for help to support another member of the old Presby team. I am so happy to have reconnected with her, sharing family stories and homemade preserves. She will always be a light in my life.
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Dr. Thomas Pullano
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I worked with Carla in the NICU for about ten years. There is no way to sum up the impact she has had on me. There aren’t enough words. She made me a better wife. A better mom. A better nurse, for sure. I would have way too many stories to tell , some silly, some touching. But I think the thing I think of most is that if you even made the slightest mention of ANY kind of situation that needed to be addressed, no matter how small or how huge, Carla (and you - because you were GOING to be involved in the solution) were going to fix it. Right then. Right there. And I am talking work situation, relationship situation, literal construction situation involving her bringing power tools to the NICU, it didn’t matter. And you summed it up perfectly with, “Dear reader, you are thinking “God put her here JUST FOR ME,” and you are right.” Each and every one of us felt that way and I have had several conversations this week where I have said that almost word for word, and have had it said to me by others as well. THAT was our Carla. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. I’ll never forget her and I hope someday I can be half the woman she was. ♥️
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2017, Spring Valley, Ohio, USA
Carla rehabbed Helyn years ago…
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Such a loss to all who knew her, definitely Heaven’s gain.
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