“My joy and companion , my partner for life,
my sweetheart and lover, my best friend - My wife.”
With much sorrow we announce the passing of Karen, April 1st 2016 (after a brief illness).
Karen was an amazing, vibrant woman who had the ability to light up the room with her infectious laughter, captivating smile and wonderful sense of humour.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 5, 1961. At age 1, she moved to B.C. with her parents and enjoyed living in Campbell River, Vancouver, Port Alberni and Duncan. Growing up Karen was active in Brownies, Girl guides, Music, Dancing and the United Church Youth. She was adventurous, did competitive swimming, an avid skier, an equestrienne, skydiver and scuba diver.
Karen graduated from Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan, then from Malaspina College in Nanaimo as a certified dental assistant and worked in the field of dentistry for over 30 years. During the early part of her career, Ron was a patient in her office. They soon became fast friends, and love followed quickly. Karen and Ron were married May 3rd 1986, they had many years brimming with much love, laughter and adventure.
Karen’s passion for travel began with her family as a young teenager to Hawaii, California, Portugal, Cuba and numerous times to various destinations in Mexico. She loved to travel anywhere, especially cruising. She was well known for her natural talent to prepare fantastic meals which were shared and enjoyed by family and friends. She was extremely proud to be a wife and homemaker at which she excelled. Karen will be truly missed by all who loved her, life will not be the same without her presence.
Karen passed peacefully at her parents’ home with her loving husband Ron, sister Trish, and parents Ken and Shirley at her side. Karen is also survived by her brother Bruce, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
I would like to personally thank Karen’s sister Trish for immediately leaving her family and practice to be by Karen’s side. I also wish to thank Karen’s parents Ken and Shirley for providing a peaceful, loving and supportive environment for Karen to spend her final weeks. Also thank you to our wonderful families and friends who all reached out to support us, while respecting our privacy.
I would like to gratefully acknowledge the care and kindness of the Duncan Community Care nurses and Cowichan Valley Hospice Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 14, 2016 at H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre, 5285 Polkey Road, Duncan BC at 2:00 p.m.
Death leaves a heartache
No one can heal
Love leaves a memory
No one can steal