Carmela was born on October 17, 1943, in Kibbutz Ein Hashofet to Yaakov (Jack) and Ne’ima Craifine and was the sister of Ran Craifine.
Carmela arrived in Nir Oz for a post-army service year, where she met Uri Dan. They married in 1968 and together had and raised Hadas, Galit and Dor.
In 1980, the family travelled to Marseille, France, for three years, as emissaries of the Hashomer Hatza’ir movement. There, Carmela pursued studies in cosmetology. From that time until she was 78, she worked in the field with great love, performing wonders with her skilled hands.
In 1990, the family went on another mission for Hashomer Hatza’ir, this time to Paris.
Carmela loved to sing. Music held a special place in her heart, and she often sang at ceremonies and holiday celebrations. Carmela and Uri also collected the items that made up the “Shower Museum” collection.
Carmela always worked with teenagers, whether on the kibbutz as a metapelet, at the Mossad Hinukhi boarding school or during Hashomer Hatza’ir missions. Her students remembered her as a gentle, compassionate and loving presence.
Carmela was the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and was actively engaged in their lives. She loved to lavish them with baked treats, ride her mobility scooter, attend events and go to the pool with her grandchildren — taking immense pride in them.
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Carmela was at home in Nir Oz with her granddaughter, Noya. When the sirens sounded, they barricaded themselves in the safe room, staying optimistic and keeping their sense of humor.
They stayed in contact with the outside world by phone until 12:00 p.m., when contact with them was lost forever.
Grandmother Carmela shielded her beloved granddaughter with her body until the very last moment.
Their bodies were found locked in an embrace.
She was 80 at the time of her death.
May Carmela’s memory be a blessing.
