My Favorite Aunt Carla

My aunt Carla (my mom's oldest sister) was diagnosed with a gliobalastoma brain tumor. It is an aggressive brain tumor for which there is no cure. There are some treatments that extend life but for Carla that was not really a great or worthwhile option. Carla had lived a great life. So she needed care for the rest of her days and we didn't know how long that would be. My uncle Jamie (her older brother) had died of the same cancer (an they say that it is a complete coincidence). He lived 6 months. Due to several factors, it was decided that she would come live at our house and my mom would move in as well to take care of her. Thanks to the generosity of some wonderful people, we had the basement finished (back when Kenyon needed it) and set up so that we could do that.

Carla only lived 6 weeks. But it was such a blessing to have her live with us. My mom was a master caregiver. She was loving and patient and tough. It was hard work. She had some good help from my other aunts and close relatives but she carried the burden.

I had the privilege of speaking at the funeral on Monday. That is a very challenging assignment. I was a little more emotional than I wanted to be - it messes with my voice and my nose. But it came off ok and the other speakers and music were outstanding.

My favorite part might have been at the graveside service where my cousin played the ukulele and we sang Aloha Oe. It was perfect.

Next favorite part, being with the amazing Cannon Family. I love my cousins. It is sad we aren't together more.

Now look at my beautiful aunt. Don't you love this picture of the Cannon sisters? From l to r - Carla, Holly, Kiki (Christine), and Susan. Love them.

CARLA CANNON 

Carla Lani Cannon 1945 ~ 2011 Carla Lani Cannon, born Oct. 29, 1945, passed away Feb. 17, 2011, South Jordan, Utah, from a brain tumor. Born the second of six children to D. James and Elaine A. Cannon, in Salt Lake City, Utah, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother James Q. Cannon and his first wife Christine Jacobsen Cannon; sister Christine Cannon; and brother Anthony Joseph Cannon. Survived by sisters, Susan Cannon McOmber (Bryant) Palo Alto, CA, and Holly Cannon Metcalf (Richard) Seattle, WA, sisters-in-law Rebecca Cannon and Kathy Cannon Anderson, as well as dozens of adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. Carla grew up in Salt Lake City, and was a graduate of Highland High and the University of Utah. Equipped with an education and innate abilities, Carla lived and worked in many places, including working for several congressmen, Sunset Magazine and Lane Publishing. Most recently Carla lived in St. George, Utah. Carla served seven years in U. S. Navy Reserves, Intelligence Center of the Pacific. As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carla dedicated thousands of hours to genealogical research and served as a French name extraction missionary. She loved working in the Primary. As oldest sister, Carla organized a sisters' quartet and taught them to harmonize. She was also part of a popular singing group called the Hi-Notes. Recently, Carla fulfilled a life-long dream of writing text for a hymn which she paired with a Chopin etude. As the "Favorite Aunt and Cousin" Carla's stories have delighted many. A gentle and devoted friend Carla was adored and will be lovingly remembered. Those who wish may donate in her memory to LDS Humanitarian or Perpetual Education Fund. Memorial service on Feb. 21 at 12 p.m. at the Federal Heights Ward, 1300 Fairfax Road,, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online Condolences at www.premierfuneral.com