Classmate Nightingale School of Nursing 1963-65

Karen and I met in late Aug 1963 (60 years ago) when we began our studies to become registered nurses - graduating in 1965. Our class of '65 met every 5 years in Ontario thereafter - the last time was 2020 by Zoom.

At our last "in person" reunion in 2015 (our 50 year celebration), Karen came but had forgot to book a room at the Nottawasaga Inn where we were holding our 2 day reunion. I invited Karen to "bunk in" with Carolyn Qurk Craig and myself. Carolyn and I had a room with 2 double beds. Karen was hesitant but then agreed She would have to sleep in the same bed as me. We laughed and laughed. No one really sleeps at our reunions. We visit, laugh, talk, play skits, sing and dance the entire time.

At the end of the reunion, Karen said she needed a ride into downtown Toronto to visit with her daughter, son-in-law and young grandson. I told her that I was driving into Toronto (Bloor W and Keele) and she was welcome to come with me. She had an address and that is all we needed. What a surprise to both of us to find out that her daughter and family lived just 2 -3 streets away from my son and his family.

Karen had found a tree and some plants while out on the golf course at Nottawasaga Inn. We packaged them all up in plasic bags so she could take them back to PEI to plant in her yard and possibly give some to one of her sisters. I believe she was taking "her tree" on the plane in her hand luggage. That was Karen - fond of nature, always thinking of others (her sister, her children and grandchildren, her family). She said that everytime she would look at that tree and those plants, she would think of all the fun we had at our reunions and the long term friendships we made back in the early 60's.

I will put together some photos of Karen with her Nightingale classmates over the years and send it to you for the Celebration of Life in the Spring of 2023. Karen had invited all of us to come to PEI and "camp in her yard" and party.

If you send me the date of the Celebration, I will consider if I am up to the 2 day drive to PEI. If not, I will send my love and my prayers to all of you. Karen was very special and I will not forget her and all our wonderful memories.

Dot Klein