Obituary of Dr. Carmen Gabriela Siara

Dr. Carmen Gabriela Siara (née Tudorache)
March 25, 1953 - August 15, 2022

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Carmen Siara at the Hospice of Windsor, at the age of 69, surrounded by her loving family. After having fought fiercely for 3 years, she lost her arduous battle with ovarian cancer, a fight that was never fair from the start. Loving, most devoted wife and best friend of Dr. Ioan Siara for 48 years. Cherished and proud mother of Dr. Monique Siara (Dr. John Selim), Dr. Nicole Siara-Olds (Dr. Steven Olds) and Dr. Laura Adams (Dr. Andrew Adams). Doting and most wonderful Buni to her grandchildren Pierce, Anson, Sienna, Charlotte and Emily as well as Oskey, her latest furry grandbaby. Reunited with her beloved parents Petre & Maria Tudorache and in-laws Nicodim & Ana Siara. Beloved sister to the late Dr. Mircea Tudorache (Epifania) and Aureliu Tudorache (Sarah); sister-in-law to Dr. Aniceta Tudorache and Ana (late Aurel) Varna. Also reunited with adored lifetime family caregiver Mariette Quenneville. She will be dearly missed by special cousins Gabi (Anca) Niculae and Genca (Jacob) Calugar, as well as her extended family, Hoda (late Kamal) Selim & family, Mary & Don Olds and Joanna & Rob McGowan. Remembered fondly by nieces & nephews Anca Vlaicu, Dr. Nancy Tudorache, Vincent Tudorache, Frances Boucher & Chris Tudorache and the many friends she loved, too numerous to name. Special thanks to the Dinescu, Teodorescu, Bartoi, Zamfir, Halmaghi, Stoyshin, Friedl, Voth and Carr families for your dedicated friendship and support. Will be missed by her devoted assistant and friend Susie Marcinko. We are comforted that she will be lovingly received by her late dear friend Mariana Halmaghi. 

Carmen came into this world on March 25, 1953, on the blessed Feast of the Annunciation, in Bucharest, Romania, and was a unique and special soul from that day on. As a teenager she was a talented volleyball player, representing Bucharest in national competitions.
On August 7, 1969, at the age of 16, she immigrated to Canada from communist Romania for a better life, with her parents and one suitcase in hand. She worked long hours to help her parents establish Marentette Rest Home, while excelling in her studies. Having always been a model student, she skipped Grade 11 at Kennedy Collegiate Institute and went on to start a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Detroit Mercy. Her outstanding performance lead to her early acceptance into dental school after only two years of undergraduate studies. In 1971 she met the love of her life. She and her beloved “Johnny” were married on November 24, 1973. She graduated as a dentist in 1976 at the young age of 23, after completing a 3 year accelerated program. She was one of only three females in a class of 100 students. Carmen then started her career as an associate and soon thereafter became one of the original partners of the Dental Health Centre, where she was a well respected and very much loved dentist, colleague and boss for 41 years. She truly loved her career and missed everyone, both partners and staff at the DHC, after her retirement in 2017. Her patients always remained dear to her heart. Carmen always enjoyed socializing with her many colleagues and spouses at monthly Essex County Dental Society meetings and events, having been a member throughout her entire career. 

Carmen lived by her motto, “Darling, when you are good at one thing, you are good at everything.” And that she was. She was the glue that kept her family together, besides being a successful career woman, something she instilled in her three daughters from a young age. Nothing was more important to her than family and friends. Carmen was a delicate and gentle soul but she also showed impeccable strength and resilience during times of adversity throughout her lifetime, helping to propel her family forward. She and Ioan travelled the world together, several times over again, particularly enjoying cruising. Her most cherished trips were their yearly FDI or ODA dental conventions or vacations with her family, either skiing, on cruises, at family cottages or her favourite place on Earth, Marco Island, Florida. There she spent many happy holidays since the purchase of their condo in 1989. She was an expert at discovering the most beautiful seashells, a pastime she enjoyed thoroughly, and passed onto her daughters and grandkids. She was a longtime member of Beach Grove Golf & Country Club, where she enjoyed golfing both in the women’s league and with her family and friends. Carmen loved to entertain and was the queen of hospitality, making everyone feel like royalty in her home. She hosted countless parties, always taking pride in cooking delicious meals herself. Her iconic infectious, genuine laughter warmed everyone’s hearts. Carmen’s grandchildren meant the world to her and she was their number one fan, whether it be during sleepovers, at hockey games, on the soccer field, or at piano and dance recitals. She loved games of hide and seek or playing with them on the floor, usually following them with a plate of food that she would sneak into their mouths without them even noticing. She adored running around the yard kicking a soccer ball, often in her chic heels. 

Carmen was always the epitome of grace, power, elegance, class, style and sophistication. She was a true fashionista, always dressed to the nines, with matching accessories and flawless make-up and hair. Carmen’s iconic sound of her high heels approaching will be heard by many for years to come, a friendly reminder that she is always nearby. 

Her ability to multi-task along with her extremely efficient nature and the fast pace of life that she lived was remarkable. She herself said that she did more in her 69 years than most people do in 100. She was a loving, generous and caring soul who touched the lives of many over the years. Her legacy will live on in her daughters, beloved son-in-laws and grandchildren. As much as Carmen cared for everyone on Earth, may she be rewarded a million fold in the arms of God in Heaven. Her special connection with the blessed Virgin Mary is witnessed in the fact that she left us on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary or the Dormition of the Mother of God, a Saint that Carmen prayed to faithfully throughout her life. May God rest Carmen’s soul, and keep her memory eternal. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten by everyone who had the privilege to know and love her. 

Carmen and her family wish to thank Dr. Dale Ziter (Sue & Liz), Dr. Nour; Dr. Elfiki (Bree-Ann & Antonella), Dr. Freeman, Dr. Kennette and all of the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre team; WRH-Met Campus 4th Floor Oncology staff; Dr. Chao & Dr. Dhar; Dr. Sugimoto and his team at the London Regional Cancer Centre; Dr. Hogg, Dr. Butler, Dr. Mantle, (Crystal & Yukkei) and all of the team at Princess Margaret Hospital; Dr. Cargill, Dr. Rukavina, Dr. Bergeron & Dr. Veinberg and the entire team at the Hospice of Windsor as well as all of the countless nurses, PSW’s, staff, volunteers and friends who made such an incredible impact on our family’s difficult journey. May God bless you all for your kindness and compassion. 

Visitation at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home - Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. - 519-253-7234) on Thursday, August 18, from 2-5 and 7-9 pm. Parish prayers at 7:30pm. Relatives & friends are requested to meet the family at St. George's Romanian Orthodox Cathedral (1960 Tecumseh Rd E.) on Friday, August 19 from 9:00am until Carmen’s funeral service at 10:00am. The Rev. Fr. Dragos Giulea and Rev. Fr. Nicolae Codrea officiating. Interment to follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Hospice of Windsor or the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre would be greatly appreciated. 
Online condolences may be shared at windsorchapel.com.