Carmen Louise Robinson was born October 9, 1927 in Saint John, NB. She was welcomed into the world by her parents George and Allena (Bishop) Robinson. She was their 3rd child and was also eagerly welcomed by her brothers Graham and Arthur. The family moved to Sussex, happy to be near her sisters Helen and Ruth. Carmen always spoke very fondly of growing up on St. George Street and Church Avenue. Following high school in Sussex, Carmen took the train to Saint John to attend Modern Business College. After working in Moncton for a short time, she returned to Sussex and met her sweetheart Bob James at Manns’ Rest. They were married in August of 1950 and during their time living in Saint John, their family was completed with the births of their children Carolyn and Bruce. In the 50’s Bob and Carmen built a summer camp at Crystal Beach and for one of her wedding anniversaries, Bob gave her a brick hammer. She patiently used it to clean the mortar off some salvaged bricks that were used to build the fireplace at the summer cottage. Many happy family times were shared at that cottage. Due to some opportunities through Bob’s work and beginning in 1973, Carmen and Bob decided to explore the country through his transfers. First to Waterloo, ON, then onto Winnipeg, MN and then even further West, to Calgary. They did return back to Winnipeg and then finally settled in Sussex in 1990. Sussex became "Home" to them and they met new friends and renewed friendships from long ago. Carmen enjoyed playing golf and being a member of the Sussex Vale Quilters and she also took pleasure in gardening at her home in Wards Creek. She and Bob also loved to pack a picnic lunch and just go for a drive. They enjoyed many car trips over the years, with Maine being one of their favorite places to visit. After Bob’s death in 2011 and also in her later years, Carmen kept busy knitting socks that are proudly warming toes from Vancouver to Halifax. She also crocheted lovely prayer shawls for the church and baked cookies, orange breads and other lovely treats for her family and friends. She had a special saying often shared and that was, "Life is not just about the storms you encounter, but rather about learning to dance in the rain" and Carmen could most definitely dance. In the soft rain, the cold rain, the thunderous rain and the storms. She was a strong, determined woman. Very capable in all that she did. Her daughter Carolyn has a picture in her mind of her mom standing in heavy wind and rain, her umbrella turned inside out in her out-stretched arm and her feet dancing fast and furious. Carmen was blessed with a deep faith in God and always believed that He gave her the courage and strength to dance. She attended Trinity Anglican Church and enjoyed being a part of her church community. Carmen will be forever in the hearts of her son Bruce, his wife Lani and their son Evan of Winnipeg; her daughter Carolyn, her husband Brian Sim and their children Alexander and Victoria of Dutch Valley; her sister Helen Perry of Bridgewater; several nieces and nephews and many extended family members. Carmen Louise James of Sussex passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on March 8, 2017 at the age of 89. In addition to her parents and husband C. Robert "Bob" James, her beloved husband of 60 years, Carmen was predeceased by her brothers: Graham and Arthur and her sister Ruth Crawford. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). A service celebrating Carmen’s life will be held from Trinity Anglican Church at 2 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2017 followed by a time of fellowship in the Church Hall. A graveside service will be held in Maces Bay Cemetery in the spring. If you are considering making a memorial donation, the family has recommended the Maces Bay Cemetery Fund, the Sussex Health Centre Palliative Care Unit or the charity of the donor's choice