Carol-Lyn Retelbach
May 11, 1964 – March 31, 2026
It is with deep love and gratitude for a well-lived life that we announce the passing of Carol-Lyn “Carol” Retelbach on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 61 years. Carol was a gift to this earth, born in Medicine Hat, raised in Hilda and schooled in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. For every one of her, almost 62 years, she defied the “experts of 1964” who suggested to her parents that she should be institutionalized. Our immediate and extended family, along with our community in Hilda and Medicine Hat, embraced her and lifted her up when the inevitable insults and injustices of the world touched her. She was the happiest person we have ever known, aside from the difficult last few years, when her body and mind began to fail her. In a world that denies people with disabilities so much, Carol lived a full life—she went to school, lived independently in her own apartment, held a steady job at the Medicine Hat College cafeteria, played piano, sang, attended church, bowled and swam regularly, and even represented Canada in the Special Olympics in many competitions, including in Ireland. Carol had a strong circle of friends and enjoyed their weekly social outings. Her fierce, successful independence was possible because of the unwavering dedication, grit, determination, and infinite love of mom, Dorothy, as well as incredible organizations like REDI Enterprises, Special Olympics and CORE Association, which gave her the training and skills she needed to feel secure in this world. In her last years, she was loved and supported by the amazing staff at CORE 13th Street (Rita’s Cottage), a care facility that happened to be in her school building from when she was younger. Our family was her rock, and she was ours. She relied on family and loved them deeply: her parents and sisters, her aunts and uncles, grandparents, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews, not to mention friends that felt like family. Extremely social, Carol kept everyone close through her special “Rolodex phone call” rotation, always making time to stay in touch. At every gathering, she was the warm, welcoming presence who greeted everyone with genuine joy. We are heartbroken that she is gone, but are grateful that she is no longer in pain and is now likely manning a guestbook table in heaven, with beautifully painted nails, well-done hair, and matching clothes. Carol is lovingly remembered by her mom, Dorothy Bender; stepfather, Marvin; sisters, Laurel (Steve) Van Dam and Jodi (Bruce) MacKay; her nieces and nephews, Aidan (Alexia), Megan, Josh, Norah and Noelle; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Carol was predeceased by her father, Laverne Retelbach; uncle, Richard Krause; grandparents, Gust and Melita Krause, and Albert and Augusta Retelbach. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Ken Edel at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH – 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4A7 on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging in to www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Carol’s memorial page on the above date and time. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the Saamis Memorial Funeral Home – 1 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3N9 on Thursday, April 9, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. or at St. Paul Lutheran church from 12:00 pm to 12:50 p.m. on April 10, 2026. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Carol with a donation may do so to the Alberta Special Olympics –Donate | Special Olympics Alberta , CORE Association – 412 3rd St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0H1 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Carol-Lyn Retelbach.
- Date : 2026-03-31
- Location : Medicine Hat