Callinda Brown-Lapp

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Callinda Brown-Lapp (née Brown) as a result of complications following a double lung transplant on July 5, 2024. She was surrounded by her family and left this world peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Callinda was born in Edmonton, AB on October 27, 1960. She was the youngest of 3, with many other foster or adopted siblings. She may have been the smallest but she was also the scrappiest. She was very intelligent - skipping two grades when she was in elementary school but we would be remiss if we didn't mention that she was also full of mischief and as stubborn as they come. Some things never changed!

Creativity was the centre of Callinda's core. She achieved a diploma in Textile Management from NAIT and was a talented seamstress. She always dreamed of getting back to sewing "when she got old" but instead she applied her creativity to crafting, seasonal decorating, gift giving and wrapping as well as food preparation. She had a knack for turning even the smallest items into something elaborate and cool.

Callinda embraced change and constantly re-invented herself from a career standpoint. You might not find another person who had experience in so many different fields. From Server to Executive Chef, Flight Attendant, Recreation Director, Farmer, Service Advisor, Medical Receptionist, Educational Assistant, Customer Service Rep and Business Owner on at least 3 different occasions. Her tireless work ethic and high standards for service or product served her well in her work life.

Family was at the forefront of Callinda's values. She started hers unconventionally early and was a single-mom of three in her 20's. If this was daunting to her, we never knew it. She fostered a house that was fun and safe. Indeed, she became "second mom" to many others along the way. She was so proud of "all her kids".

Callinda met her partner-in-crime, Ray, in 2003. They married in June 2006 and spent many happy years living in St. Albert, AB. Their interests varied over time but included: belonging to the Harley Owners Group, getting out for a "ride", embellishing their walls with a variety of collectibles (IYKYK!) and gardening. Hosting family get togethers was also important to them and Callinda tended to go overboard with people's food favorites and always made sure the cookie jar was full!

Callinda was most passionate about being a grandma. "All of the fun and none of the responsibility". She loved her grandchildren (human and furry) fiercely. "Sleepovers at grandma's" were synonymous with: baking, picnics, walking or biking adventures, playgrounds, games, crafts, movies, treats and cuddles. Callinda hoped to get her life back with her new lungs and there's no doubt that her motivation was 'another adventure' with the grandkids.

Callinda's journey in the health care system, especially in the last year and a half, was an arduous one but she met every new challenge (and there were many) with tenacity and strength. She was an optimist's optimist and refused to give up. The people involved with her treatment plan are too numerable to mention by name but we are grateful to the many different medical teams and individuals at the University of Alberta Hospital who were involved in her care.

Callinda is survived by her husband, Ray; children, Lindsay (Robin), Kristin and Eric (Rosy); grandchildren, Sebastian, Hailey, Damian, Jaxxon and Bradyn; great-grandchild, Stella; and siblings Robert and Dawne.
She was predeceased by her mother, Iris.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a contribution to a Go Fund Me for the purchase of a Memorial Bench in St. Albert.
https://gofund.me/4dd0100c

A celebration of life will be held following application approval and purchase of the Memorial Bench. We expect this in Spring/Early summer 2025.

In the meantime, we hope you will participate in a Legacy Day for Callinda sometime in the month of October - her favorite time of year but also her birth month. Spend time with family, go on an adventure or get creative! You can post pictures and/or tributes to Callinda on her Facebook page.
Her family will be taking some time to complete their own Legacy Day(s) soon.