Carla Sovran was born January 11, 1963, the youngest of five children and loving daughter of the late Americo (Al) and Mildred Sovran. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 8, 2023 at the Ottawa Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. She was the loving and adored wife of Stephen Challinor and the mother of her two fine young men; Mark Challinor (Caitlin Macdonald) and Ryan Challinor (Brianna Spulnick) who were always her inspiration, pride and joy. She was a devoted grandmother to her five grandchildren; Keeler, Brynn, Hudson, Ollie and Callum and cherished greatly her siblings Karen, Shelley (Dave), David (Ann) and the late Kerry. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews; Geoffrey, Emily, Scott, Sara, Paul, Lesley and Alan, Lindsay and Christopher and their partners as well as by seven grand nieces and nephews. She was a true daughter to her inlaws Marion and Tony Challinor and will be always in their hearts. Friendship was so important to Carla and she deeply wanted all her friends to know how much she loved them.
Carla was a vibrant, dynamic individual who enjoyed life and all it had to offer. She loved the outdoors, cycling, hiking and all aspects of health and nature. She had a passion for literature, music, art and was an avid reader and life long learner. Always keen to acquire new skills and knowledge, she was passionate about travel and study. She always saw and appreciated the beauty of the world around her. Those who knew Carla as an educator and teacher witnessed her devotion to her students and their development. She wanted to make a difference in their lives and worked tirelessly to do so.
The family would like to thank dedicated medical staff of the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and all the other supportive and compassionate people who helped her and the family family through her 4 year journey.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) for a Visitation on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (Carla requested attendees be colourfully attired and comfortable).
The family will receive condolences In Memory of Carla and donations in leu of flowers to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Cancer Research ohfoundation.ca would be most appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Mary Ash
Jordan Gobuyan
Steve, my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this heartbreaking time.
JoAnne Carter (Gloucester High School Alum with Steve Challinor)
Steve, I can’t believe you’ve lost your wonderful wife Carla. I’m so sorry to here this news; she was much too young. Seeing you two at the airport just over a year ago as you headed out on a west coast adventure, knowing you were both living a wonderful adventure. Shane’s and my deepest condolences to you, Mark and Ryan. I lost my mom to cancer when I was a similar age; it’s a terrible loss but I’m sure she will still be with them in many ways, as my mom has been with me for 33 years. Courage, my friend.
Jim and Sylvie Downer
Carla was a beautiful strong woman in a great family. We will miss her greatly.
Sue Walsh
It is with a broken heart that I heard of Carla’s passing. I knew her well at Queen Elizabeth School and always thought how lucky her students were to have her as their teacher. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of her family!
Catherine Wilson
So sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family.
Sandra Hanington
I feel privileged to have taught with Carla at Queen Elizabeth. She was a wonderful person and a very dedicated teacher. I was shocked to hear of her passing. I hope all the happy memories you have of her will comfort you in the days ahead.
Vince & Jennifer Quesnel
We are very sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences to you Steve, Mark and Ryan and all your family.
Elisa Mayhew
Steve, I was so very sorry to hear the news of Carla’s passing. My heart goes out to you and the boys. May your wonderful memories of her, of a life well lived and loved, provide you with some comfort at this difficult time. Big hugs.
Cynthia Chu
I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Carla. Sending you my most sincere condolences to you and your family. We are praying for peace and comfort to you all at this difficult time.
Steve, Somehow in my heart I wanted this never to happen, to avoid this news. I recall running with Carla when I wanted to do a 5K and was looking for a pacing buddy...and there she was. After the run we shared teaching stories and it was so evident that she wanted her students to excel, and she was trying everything possible to that end. I will pick a star in the sky so I can remember this genuine gal when I do my nightly walks. Always in our heart Carla.