Suddenly, on April 2, in the evening, Larissa left us in as dramatic a fashion as she lived her life. She leaves behind her parents, Terri Tomchyshyn and Brent Taylor, her sister Adriana, and her love Patrick Caines. She will be missed by aunts, uncles and cousins in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Missouri and Massachusetts. Her two favourite pups, Chance and Mischief will also feel her absence.
Larissa attended Banting Alternative High School and Algonquin College where she studied Office Administration. As a young girl and teen Larissa was a dancer enjoying tap, jazz and especially hip hop at Miss Pat’s Classical Dance Academy. She was also a springboard diver with the Nepean Ottawa Diving Club. When her interest in competitions waned, her coach asked her to try coaching. She was a natural and has coached many kids throughout the rest of her life. She saw many of her divers become competitive and successful in their diving careers. She was proud of all of them and they were inspired by her to do well.
Larissa never wanted to be defined by the life changing circumstance of her heart transplant. It did however, dramatically change her attitude and her knowing the precious gift she had been handed. She lived her life to the fullest- loudly, unapologetically, brashly, usually with a bright smile to be shared with anyone in her sphere. She inspired so many people with her story and her positive attitude in any situation.
She was all-in, all the time, loyal to a fault with those with whom she claimed a friendship; and they were in the hundreds. She would be protective, critical, helpful and empathetic. She had no regrets. Her legacy is her sparkling smile, and positive nature to always keep going with stubborn certainty that everything will work out as it should. Larissa would expect everyone to be an organ donor. She has paid it forward by donating her eyes, tissue and bones. This, too, is her legacy.
Friends and Family are invited to Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, on Sunday, April 7th from 5 to 7:00 PM. A Prayer Service Vigil- Ukrainian Panachyda will take place in the Sacred Space of Beechwood at 7:00PM. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine, 952 Green Valley Crescent, on Monday, April 8th at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Digital Guestbook
Sandra Mackie
Alexa Petrova
I feel weird even writing this as it still hasn't sunk in that you're gone and I can't seem to convince myself that you won't read this once I'm done and laugh at me for being cheesy next time I come over. The feeling that there are no words which seem appropriate for the magnitude of this event weighs heavy as I write this. You had your struggles as we all do, but I have always admired you immensely for your unfaltering commitment to being yourself and staying true to your own values despite social pressures or whatever keeps us all grasping at conformity. I always told Adriana how confident I was that you would do great things, and be a great leader. How could you not? You were one of the most unapologetically real, honest and quick witted people I knew. All I can do now is promise you that I will take care of Adriana like my own sister, and in moments that I doubt myself or am tempted to shy away from confronting unpleasant or difficult situations out of insecurity or timidity, I will think of you, and try my best to channel my inner Larissa and show my fears who's boss. Your spirit will live on in our hearts, that is for sure. I guess that's goodbye, friend. Love you, Larissa. Rest easy.
Nat Tremblay
Terri, to you and your family, my sincerest condolences. I can't imagine the pain that you must be feeling. I hope that, with time, you'll be able to find comfort in all the memories you have of her. My prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
Nat
Carmen Falsetto
Dear Terri and family,
I can’t image the pain of losing a child. Your loss has left us all deeply saddened. May Larissa’s legacy give you comfort and peace and may her memories and beautiful smile be always treasured. May God give you and your family strength during this difficult time. Please remember that you are not alone... we are always here for you. Our deep heart felt condolences.
God bless,
Carmen Falsetto (T Club)
Linda Gaspar
My deepest condolences. I am so very very sorry for your loss.
Marilyn Filsinger
Only had a couple of occasions to be in her company but from the first meeting I could see that she was a special person. She and my daughter became instant friends and they had some great times together. She will be missed by anyone who knew her. Rest in Peace sweet girl.
Marian Clark
The most sincere condolences from us to all the family. Hard to believe that such a wonderful vibrant life can be gone so quickly. She was given a chance to live two lives - perhaps there are other lives to be lived because of her. Good bless her
Marian, Anne and Lorne
Retaj Alafandi
Larissa was my diving coach but not just any diving coach she was one of the best Larissa helped me improve and always believed in me I remembered the day that she said she was quitting everyone was so sad and her passing just happened so soon . I wish you the best
Nadine Scholl
Word's cannot express how we feel. Our hearts are with your family.
Nadine and Charlie Scholl
Ben and Nadia Hanuschak
Allison Boettcher
Andre and Susan Bureau
Terri and Family;
We are extending our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Our prayers and blessings are with you and your family.
Andre & Susan Bureau (Rankin)
My deepest condolences to the Tomchyshyn family during this difficult time. Larissa was taken way too early, but as we know, God only takes the good ones, and she was one of the best! Hang on to all those amazing memories. RIP Larissa.