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
Jennifer Barr
Art and Eileen Barr
Terri,
Art and I are thinking of you and your family during this devastating and difficult time. Cherish your loving memories as these aare yours to hold close forever and will bring you comfort in the days ahead. We are out of town and will miss the service but we will be thinking of all of you.
Eileen Barr
Brandy Killeen
I haven't wanted to write in here because it means I have to accept you're gone. I sent you a text instead. I know that doesn't make sense but neither does any of this. We need our "friendsgivings" and your positive energy to make life worthwhile. I look at Molly differently now. I suppose we're blessed to have something you named living with us every day. I'm sorry I let the negativities of life get in the way of spending time with your loving smile. The rooms won't light up like they used to. This is God's way of teaching us all an extremely valuable way of living our lives because if we appreciate them even half as much as you did, we will see the world much differently. I love you Riss. We all do. To Mom and Dad , Adriana and your puppies, our prayers are with you and I thank God for giving you the years he has to be blessed by such a beautiful soul. RIP beauty. Miss you.
Brandy, Cameron, Codey, Christian, Niko, Mila, and Molly xox?
Carolyn and Roman Marushko
We are so sorry for your loss, Terri and Adrianna and family. It is hard to process this sudden tragedy - a young vibriant life taken too soon. Larissa will be missed and forever remembered by so many. Rest in Peace.
Maggie and Dave Maloney
We met Larissa only a few times, through Pat's sister Katie (our Daughter in Law) and felt her warmth and "realness" - liked her instantly. Her smile was bright and genuine.
Heartfelt condolences.
Christina Bova
She was a bright light and her legacy will live on just as brightly. I am so sorry for your loss.
Christina
Serge Pharand
Larissa and I went thru the heart transplant journey similar things in common were an often the topic of conversation.
Totally caught off guard of this terrible tragedy , reminds me that life’s too short ,
My sincere condolences , you are in my prayers .
Godspeed
Take care
Serge
Patrick Caines
You are the single most best thing to ever happen to me. I found my person in this world. My lobster. Rest well my beautiful darling, I promise you this is not over and we will meet again. Forever yours. Your fruitloop.
Erin Raymond
I am saddened to hear the sudden passing of Larissa. Even though we had lost touch over the years, you will never be forgotten. How do you not love someone so lively and full of life? We had some amazing times together, lots of laughs and so many memories.. Some we got into trouble for :) May you continue to shine your brightness on everyone angel and look over us. Lots of love beautiful.
Gillian Sullivan
Dear Terri,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on your devastating loss of Larissa. Sending loving thoughts, -- Gillian
Terri, we are so very sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your daughter....While we did not know Larissa, it is clear that she was a beautiful spirit who lived life to the fullest...our thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Jennifer Barr & Mitch Guibord