Carmen Yi Lyn Khoo
November 9, 1993 ~ October 28, 2022
Resided in:
Portland, Maine
Carmen Yi Lyn Khoo was called home to our Lord Jesus Christ on October 28, 2022. Carmen was 28 years old. She was born on November 9, 1993, raised in Penang, Malaysia, and immigrated to the United States. She last resided in Portland, Maine. Carmen devoted her life in serving our Lord.
Carmen will be sorely missed by her Father Eng Chong Khoo (E.C.) her loving Mother Poh Thor Ong (Cecilia), and her devoted sister Caryn Jo Lyn Khoo, along with her Catholic community and many adored friends especially her friend Abrey who was by her side and Br. Cassian Mary Iozzo OP, who will forever be her brother in Christ, and all of Carmen’s friends and family in Malaysia.
Carmen was a proud alumna of Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2015 and a Master of Science in the field of statistics the following year. After working as a research assistant for a year, she went on to Cornell University, where she earned a Master of Science in biomedical engineering in 2021. Carmen then went on to work for MaineHealth as a Research Data Analyst.
Above all things on earth, Carmen was dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. She spent long, unnumbered hours in Eucharistic Adoration, face-to-face and heart-to-heart with our Lord. This was her greatest joy in life, a joy that has now reached its consummation with the One to whom she gave her heart.
Out of love for Christ, Carmen gave herself unhesitatingly to His Church; she was always the first to volunteer for any event. She could always be found singing in choir, often at multiple Masses, and was dedicated to youth ministry. Her sharp intellect combined with her zeal to preach the faith was foundational in helping to establish the Thomistic Institute Chapter at Cornell University. This “little pilgrim,” following in the footsteps of St. Dominic, was a light and a rose to anyone that was blessed by God to know her.
Carmen was a fierce connoisseur when it came to a nice bowl of ice cream or a neat glass of scotch. She loved good food, but loved even more to bring a smile to others by her cooking and baking. Whenever she could, she would be out for a stroll, while softly chanting the Adoro Te Devote or the Veni Creator Spiritus and laughing at the antics of passing squirrels.
Carmen loved deeply and was deeply loved by so many. Her generous spirit and kind heart left a deep impression wherever she went. She never met a stranger that didn’t quickly become a friend and was always placing the needs of others first. She remained strong in our Lord amid her cancer diagnosis, never losing her faith and her spunk. Carmen walked through her life and her suffering with grace. She was a witness to the power of trusting the Lord, which was a gift she shared with her friends, doctors, colleagues, and family. After her diagnosis, Carmen wrote: “And at the height of my pain, when all else fails, I beg the Lord for the grace to suffer well, to mercifully accept my offering of this pain for whatever He wills. Though, in my bratty moments, the offering comes out more along the lines of, “Lord, this better be for something good.””
Visiting Hours will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 8:00-9:30AM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. There will be a reception in the Cathedral Guild Hall at 307 Congress Street at 12:30 on Saturday, November 5th.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at 10AM at https://youtu.be/xnCuAMC8K9c . You can also find the livestream below under Memorial Video.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to assist Carmen’s family with the funeral cost.
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You’ve enlightened the lives of many wherever you were, leaving behind all the wonderful memories. Thank you for the many joyful years of friendship. Rest well my friend. You’ll always be in my heart. May we meet again someday.
Carmen was the most lovely co-worker and friend. She will be so dearly missed by our lab and remembered for her upbeat personality, positive attitude, and dedication to her work.
She was such a sweet and warm person who was always willing to help others. She sat through countless practice runs of my presentations, and talks. She was also a master coder and had a solution for any problem I threw her way.
She will be so missed by all of us.
My condolence to Carmen’s family. Thank you for being the friend that help me with subjects that I couldn’t understand. The cheeky memories we had in high school MGS sitting at the back of the classroom.
You will be missed.
Dear Carmen,
Thank you for being my roommate and inspiration. We shall meet again in the future. I love you! ❤️
We were fortunate to meet Carmen through our daughter. They became close friends while students at Carnegie Mellon. Carmen was such a wonderful, kind, smart young woman. We were blessed to have known her. Our prayers are with her family.
Carmen, I’m so grateful that I got to meet you. Your faith, kindness, and love for the Church others were remarkable. We will miss you. Praying for you and your loved ones. Please pray for us in heaven, dear saint friend!
Carmen blessed our family with her contagious smile, her wonderful baking, her giving heart and her faithful devotion. Thank you, Carmen, for sharing precious moments with us at youth group, during our “girls nights” and around the campfire. We will miss you tremendously. We will always carry you in our hearts!
Deb, Rich, Mia and Teyo Rasmussen
Carmen has been attending our Lay Dominican fraternity meetings in Lewiston. She was a bright light for all of us!
Rezando por el alma de Carmen y por consuelo para su familia y amigos cercanos. Con amor.
Always admired your disposition to serve the Lord, and to deeply love your community. You were a supportive friend and sister in Christ for me since day one, and I will always cherish how much you could brighten the room when you walked into the sanctuary. Rest in peace my friend ❤️
Carmen was such a beautiful soul. I met her through the young adult group Casco Bay Catholics. She was so kind and started up a conversation with me which I greatly appreciated. My condolences to her family and all those who loved her. You are all in my prayers.
Carmen has always been the little sunshine back in high school and her bright smile is one thing I’d always remember 🙂 You’d be missed!
One of my dearest, most loving friends. May God rest her soul in peace.
I met Carmen at our church’s young adult group, and quickly learned what an intelligent and faithful young women she was. Carmen and I went on a trip to Nashville this past summer, with Carmen’s dear friend Isabel Sanclemente. Carmen brought along her practicality, her selflessness, her desire to know Our Lord, and her dry sense of humor on our trip and every time I have spent time with her.
Carmen loved to bake, and made me chocolate cookies for my birthday – no more than two weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer. I will strive to care for the people in my life as much as Carmen did for the people in hers. I am deeply saddened that Carmen is no longer with us, but I am confident that she is watching over us.
Carmen was a loving friend and wonderful person. She will be missed! My condolences to her family.
Hey cous,
This has happened all very suddenly. It’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around this.
But we’ll forever remember you. Not only for how smart you were, or how caring you were towards your friends and loved ones.
But also for how you’re an inspiration to all of us. Pushing through with hard work and dedication even when the world is against you.
This ailment may have beaten you, but your memories will be carried on much, much further into the future.
Dear Carmen
I don’t know how to start this so I’m just going to write what I have on my mind.
I still can’t believe all that’s happened, everything still feels so surreal. You were a joy to be with and we had so many wonderful memories together. When we were younger, your family would come over and we’d play games and have fun together. We spent less time together as we grew up but I had always looked forward to when you came home to visit. You always wore a smile on your face and were always witty with the comebacks, definitely the brain of our family. You were also funny whether it was intentional or not. Most importantly, you lived your life loving others and we love you for that.
It’ll take a lifetime to mend our broken hearts but the last thing you’d want is for us to feel despair, right? We will manage somehow, that’s our promise to you, cousin.
I love you and I am proud of you. I am grateful for all the people who were around you in your time of need.
The memories we made with you will be with us forever. You are now in a happier place, painless and worry-free. Do rest in peace.
Love,
Jilynn
Carmen was a bright, shining light of faith, goodwill, creative passion, organized- and organizing- energy. Carmen’s faith was almost supernatural, and yet never ever worn on her sleeve. Now I know what it means to have known, worked with, prayed with, and said goodbye to a living saint.
What is she NOT good at? She excelled at all she got her hands on, and she never backs away from a challenge she took upon herself. The most important thing though, is that she was really really REALLY good at giving love.
Saintly, loving, intellectual, kind, generous, empathetic….and human.
Be free, my dearest Carmen. Be happy in your new home with our Lord. I love you.
May your light keep shining from heaven. Thanking God for your life: a shooting star.
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
Romans 14:8
Carmen was my mentee in the service fraternity we were both in during our college years in CMU. Even with mounds of school work, she always found the time to help with different service projects throughout the year to serve her community around Pittsburgh. In the months I’ve gotten to know Carmen, she always was a ray of joy every time we talked and kind to everyone around her. I will always cherish the memories we had and the fun mug you gifted me. Rest in peace, Carmen.
I was so sorry to hear of Carmen passing. Gone to soon. Cancer is bad. I lost my mom to soon to cancer at 69. Breast cancer. So sorry for family. take care. From, Kristen Tully
I have known Carmen since she was a baby. She is someone who knows what she wants in life and set her objectives very clearly and worked towards achieving it. She is a very humble and kind person and her family is her love of her life.
My deepest condolence to the late Carmen’s family on her passing. May she rest in peace.
My prayers and thoughts are with Carmen and family
Oh Carmen, you were one of the most saintly people I have ever known; your eyes were always on heaven. I don’t know how to put words to how thankful I am that you were a part of our lives. Travis and I were newly married, had just moved across the country, didn’t know anyone, and you and Br. Cassian instantly welcomed us with open arms and hearts. We will forever treasure the memories of the meals we shared, the campfires, the conversations, your smile, your laugh, and your hugs. I always knew I could count on your prayers for anything, and I know I can still. Our children will grow up hearing stories about you, our friend in heaven. We love you so much, Carmen.
Love, Madeline, Travis, Cecilia, Felicity, and Anastasia
Sweet, brilliant, and insightful
Carmen, you were such a beautiful and sweet person ❤️always so selfless and kind. Loved by anyone and everyone that met you. I am so lucky to have met you at CMU. Rest in peace
Her ability to empathize was a supernatural gift, and she made the world a better place by bringing so much faith and joy to everyone around her.
She loves you, no matter who you are or if you knew her.
Alive, cheerful, caring, real, big hearted.
She wanted always to be a writer. She kept a personal journal instead which she sometimes shared with me.
I can’t remember exactly when I first met Carmen. It feels she has always been part of my journey in Ithaca. I do remember that many times she would invite me over to her apartment and cook me a warm soup just because she knew how much I liked soups.
Carmen was an incredible friend, always ready to listen and help whenever needed. She will continue to look out for us in heaven. My prayers and heart is with her and all family and friends.
I remember meeting Carmen at a young adult event a few years ago, I cannot remember what it was but I distinctly remember her since I was excited to meet another young Asian who loved Jesus in the non-diversified transient city that is Pittsburgh. Our encounters were not frequent and navigating the faith life as a young adult who did not fit the college groups or the suburban parish life of families were already difficult enough, but I remember her bright smile, pleasant personality, and how she spoke highly of the group of Carnegie Mellon friends she was with. I hope to see you in Heaven, Carmen, please pray for me.
Carmen was a talented musician who sang both at the Cathedral Choir and Women’s Schola. It was an honor to share voice and music with her
She loved sourdough bread
A lovely women whose devotion to Jesus was ever present in her life
Carmen was a dear friend of our youngest son, Travis and his wife, Madeline. They became friends when Travis was in Ithaca attending Cornell. The photo that was posted was at the baptism of Travis and Madeline’s first baby girl.
Such a beautiful soul. We will continue to offer our prayers for Carmen.
Carmen was an amazing person, who was kind and generous – and a wonderful co-worker. She will be missed. May she rest in peace!
Rest well and peacefully my dearest Carmen. You will be dearly missed by all.Thank you for being my cello mate and classmate.Thank you for being patience while teaching me sometimes during orchestra training.I thank God for giving me the opportunity to know such a friendly,down-to-earth and lovely classmate.
Carmen was such a beautiful person. As so many others here have said, you could tell immediately that she was special and you were lucky to have her in your life.
First of all, she loved to feed people! Our kitchen was regularly overstocked with fresh baked goods, but we weren’t complaining! We enjoyed hosting/attending many dinners with friends and venturing out to the local restaurants to try something new. Carmen knew food was good for the soul: the baker’s and the enjoyer’s. I couldn’t count on anyone else to join me in dessert for breakfast or a few scoops of her homemade ice cream when needed.
Carmen was also admirably devoted to her faith and encouraged others to find what they needed from faith. We often went to church together and she convinced me to join the choir for the first time. Her support guided me and I’m sure many others through difficult times in our lives.
I have wonderful memories of Carmen. She will be greatly missed.
Carmen and I were roommates when she transferred to Cornell. We quickly became friends, sharing our love of food and our faith.
Carmen will be sorely missed I just loved her spirit and friendship and beautiful smile and and positive attitude.
Carmen was the “kindness to all, malice to none” kind of girl. Sweet and unassuming, she was a joy to all of us.
Your uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives at home will miss you so much, being the close-knit family that we are. You are gone too soon but we find solace that you are free from pain now. Though your death leaves a heartache no one can heal, your love for us and our love for you will leave a memory no one can steal. Death only took a part of you, the rest will forever be in our hearts. RIP Carmen.
Auntie Poh Cheng
Carmen was truly one of a kind. Her smile and enthusiasm were contagious. I enjoyed every moment we spent talking about her future plans and what she was most excited about doing next. She made every space she was in brighter and even on difficult days she was able to see the good.
My deepest condolences to Carmen’s friends and family. I first met her when we were in the same class during 7 years old in MGS Penang. May she rest in peace.
I’ve been reluctant to put thoughts into words because then I’d have to employ the use of the past tense, which adds a sense of finality to the passing of my young cousin. I was fortunate enough to remember Carmen as a baby. Even as an infant, she was curious. Her eyes would follow the conversation, observing faces and people. As a niece and cousin, she was thoughtful, affectionate, and generous. Carmen was and always will be our brightest star, dearly loved by all of us for all of eternity and remembered by even more. Be at peace.
With love from her loving Aunty Poh Lean and faithful cousins, Ree Na and Jay Sheng.
You were like a sister to me & I love you wherever you may be. Rest in peace dear cousie.
I remember Carm fondly from my two years at Cornell. I got to know her from the grad group at Cornell Catholic, and will remember her as a faith-filled women with a deep intellectual and spiritual life. May she rest in peace.
Our dear sweet Carmen, how we all loved you! You became our other child. We will be forever grateful for your love and spirtal support for Br. Cassian. You will always have a special place in our hearts and we will never forget you! We love you.
My condolences to friends and family of Carmen. May she rest in peace.
Carmen was my first real friend in Portland. Knowing her changed my life in drastic ways for the better, and I will always miss her. May she rest in peace.
Carmen,
I knew you for just a couple of years
You were so easy to love.A beautiful little Ray of sunshine.
You will be missed greatly!
Rest peacefully in the arms of the lord
Love Always
Your friend Ronnie