Memories of Karen

My sister "Sylvia " and I attended the "Trivia Afternoon" with the Friendship Group in the summer of 2021 at Karen and Dennis's place. We enjoyed meeting this interesting and lovely couple. Had a wonderful time and a delicious potluck. As we were leaving they had lovely little herbs in starter pots for those who wanted them. I chose an "oregano" - repotted it and placed it in the best sunny spot on my balcony. It thrived and grew so well. We used it through the summer, dried it in the late fall, and had lots for the winter and spring. I will start another one this spring and enjoy and use it just as much. This was our first and last meeting and will always remember it with pleasure. Thank-you Karen.

Dear Karen's family, 

As you gather today on P.EI. I will be holding you all in my heart. Although I live on the other side of the country, and have not seen Karen for years, I have vivid memories of her kindness, he brilliant smile, and her infectious laughter. She was always there to help whenever needed, and Karen knew the true meaning of friendship.

I was so saddened to hear of her death, and I know she has joined our classmates, - Barb, Jackie, Brenda, Edie, Linda.. Blessings to you all. Karen was so proud of her family.

" Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of Heaven; blossomed the lovely stars, the Forget-Me-Nots of Angels." Longfellow

Much love, Marian Luxton Protection Island, B.C.

First of all let me say how very sorry Merv and I are.

I do have a few memories that stand out. Wish I could find the pictures..

My most memorable is "The first Polar Dip (Florida Style)..it was so much fun and Karen was the first one in.. she was game for anything.

My second memory is a rainy day in Florida and a few of us ladies decide to make Christmas wreaths...Karen's turned out just beautiful 😍

Dennis, please know that we are thinking and praying for you all at this time. 💔

I was so very sad to hear of Karen's passing. Such a wonderful lady always with a huge smile and a kind word. She wrote me a letter of reference when I was applying to my Physio program and I truly believe she had a huge inflence in my acceptance and my lifelong career path. I will be forever grateful to her for that. A true loss for her family, friends and community. Our heartfelt condolences to Dennis and family. We hope to share in a wonderful Celebration of her amazing life in the Spring.

Donnie and Susan Ehler.

In a heartbeat, on a dime, just like that. . . there for you. We so enjoyed all that she had to give. . . and she gave a lot. . . mostly of herself. She was small in stature, but grand in love, life, wisdom and smiles. That smile. . . I never tired of seeing it. What a well lived life. I hope to never forget this grand lady. Hugs to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I miss her. But she is in my heart and memories. 💕💃

My memories of Karen stem from many, many years ago in Dartmouth when I was a new teacher. My route home from Southdale School would take me by her home, where she would usually be gardening by a rambling rock wall. I looked forward to our chats and my memory of those times include dappled sunshine, two little kids and Karen's friendliness and huge smile. 

Years later, when my mum was ill in hospital, she greeted me with the words. "Margaret, I have the loveliest little nurse!" As you've probably guessed, the pert professional who eventually bustled in, in uniform and with her tiny nursing cap crowning that tremendous body of energy, was your dear wife, mother, grandmother, friend. 

I send my sincere sympathy, and also gratitude for the positive influence she had on so many lives.

I am so very sorry to hear that Karen has passed away.

Your wife/Mom/ Nana was a standout coworker during my 45 year nursing career (Dartmouth General).

Always had a smile, a kind word of support and/or encouragement just when it was needed.

Her laugh was amazing.

Sending condolences and hugs to all the family.

Dear Dennis and Family,

I want to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful wife, Karen. I am a seasonal member of the Cornwall Book Club and this is where I had the utmost pleasure to interact and be with Karen. She was a valued member of our Club. She will be missed by many! May many beautiful memories sustain you and your family at this most difficult time.

Most sincerely,

Sandie Cavadini (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)

I am so shocked and saddened to see this today. I had no idea Karen was sick and was looking forward to seeing her again soon. We had a bridge foursome that enjoyed each other so much And loved our get togethers in each other's homes. She truly enjoyed life to the fullest, always had an interesting experience to share and yet always showed great interest in what others had to share. Rest peacefully dear friend. You have left an incredible footprint.

I knew Karen from her Brightwood golf days; she was probably one of the most positive people I ever met - but with her eyes wide open; no naive innocent there! A very insiring woman.

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

Dear Dennis and family, 

I was saddened to hear of Karen's passing. What a Loss! She was energetic, kind, multi-talented, adventurous ---I could go on and on.

Karen and I were co-workers back in the early seventies. She was the one who always went that extra mile for her patients. She was especially committed to focusing on rehab for people, often when there seemed to be few positives in their lives.

I was in awe of her ability to travel with little kids in tow. When I would think twice about taking the kids shopping, she would be heading off to Disneyworld.

We lost touch over the years as we lived busy lives, working and participating in family activities. However, we did work together at Continuing Care for a short time, before retirement. When I last saw her, she was still enjoying travel. I did not realize PEI became home.

I will raise a glass to a life well lived.

Sincere condolences to all of you,

Rosemary Hasiuk