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
Melanie Anderson
Jim Page
Dear Terri: Like others who have written I share my condolences and prayers for you and your family. Moments such as these are hard to accept and even harder to understand. Please know that your colleagues and friends are here for you and your family.
Marie-Eve Labonte
I'm so shocked to hear about your loss and I send you, Adriana, and your family and friends mountains of courage and love. I feel honoured to have had at least the chance to read about Larissa; her inspiring story shines through her beautiful photograph ever so strongly that, it reassures me that there are still great people hiding among us waiting for the right time to positively influence us. And so, Larissa inspires me to live my life more meaningfully and spread kindness and joy.
Joanne Renaud
Terri and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Based on what I heard at the funerals this morning, your daughter was an extraordinary woman that will have touched many people over her way too short journey.
Life will be different for you but your memories will provide you with the courage and strengths require to keep going.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie
My condolences to the family and friends <3
I met Larissa through an old friend and she was always just as you described her every time. She is a beautiful soul who will be greatly missed by many including the people who only got to meet her a handful of times. Rest In Peace beautiful <3
Ted lister
The few times that we met some by accident some by break down it was always a pleasure to help and to meet someone as great as you. you will be truly missed by all
Heather Creech
With great sadness for your loss.
Tanya Kreil
Oh man, Larissa. I am so going to miss seeing your smile. Because of you, I have signed up to become an organ donor..
Say hello to everyone up there for me, will you??
Mary Anne Caibaiosai
I only met you a few times, but I saw a beautiful, kind and strong spirit! You will be missed, and know you are still loved and held dear in your family’s hearts.
Mary Dykstra Lynch
I’m so sorry, Terri and family! She sounds like a wonderful daughter, who had a lot on her plate and dealt with it very well. So sad that you have lost her way too soon.
Terri, Friends and Family of Larissa,
My sincerest condolences to everyone who knew Larissa. She was a bright light in the lives of so many! My heart goes out to all of you. Please know that I am sending lots of love, healing energy and virtual hugs, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.