Karen was born in Victoria, BC on October 22, 1952 and died peacefully at home on November 6, 2018, after a lengthy battle with cardiac amyloidosis. The eldest daughter of loving parents, Louise (Yunker) and Joseph Wilson, she is survived by her devoted husband Roy, their wonderful children Heather (Darryl Chan) and Ian Leeson, precious grandsons, Matthew and Riley Chan, sisters Sydney Wygood and Catherine Brown and their sons, a large extended family, many friends and former colleagues.
She started teaching in Williams Lake in 1975, then worked at the Old Age Pension office in Victoria for ten years, and after 1990, taught in many elementary schools in Sooke School District. After retiring in 2012, Karen was on the Executive of the Lower Vancouver Island Retired Teachers’ Assn., started up the Wednesday retired teachers walking group, and loved her family time, travelling, fossil hunting, gardening, genealogy research, yoga, mahjong, card and board games with family and friends, and especially reading.
She would like to thank the many friends who helped lift her spirits during her illness, and the wonderful staff at Island Health, the Cancer Clinic, and Hospice.
A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, please donate a new or gently-used picture book to a local school in Karen’s honour.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Trudy Briggs
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Linda (Miller) Donato I was so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. I did run into Karen 3 or 4 years ago, and we had a wonderful conversation. But my best memories are from when we were both little girls- Karen living on Braefoot and me on Epsom Drive. From elementary school at Cedar Hill and Doncaster, to graduation at Mt Doug, we had a lot of fun together, and a lot of history. I wish I had known her future family. It sounds like she was very much loved and her life was full.
Linda Donato(Miller)
Lindadonato@shaw.ca
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Sylvia Mills Dear Heather,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I am sending you and Darryl, Matthew and Riley, a big hug. Your mom will always be with you.
Love from your old friend,
Sylvia
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Ellen Price Our sincere condolences, Roy. So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing.
Ellen & Trevor Price
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Lorraine Pommen I am so sorry to hear about Karen. I first met her when I taught Heather and we shared many laughs about our mutual love of teaching. We then reconnected through the teacher’s walking group many years later. Karen was a wonderful person and will be missed.
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Robin Wong Although I only knew Karen for about two years, I will treasure the time we shared as a lean mean selling team together with Lorraine, volunteering with the Victoria Shamrocks Lacrosse Club on gamedays. She took me under her wing, introduced me to the rest of the Shamrocks family, as well as the regular fans who’ve attended the games year in and year out, and who purchased 50/50 tickets, gameday lineups, programmes, and of course, frisbees! Karen’s love and affection for others really shown through in her words and deeds. One of my fondest recollections was when one of her grandsons would visit and help us sell our wares, although we mostly just ended up playing Pokemon Go when sales were slow. Karen, thank you for your patience, good humour, and lots of Blue Jays talk during our times together. You continue to be much loved by so many of us.
I have known Karen for many years and we had a special connection as we have the same birth date. We often shared a hug at Music in the Park. My thoughts are with you across the miles.
Trudy Briggs