December 22nd, 1954 – February 5th, 2024
It is with immense sadness that the Dow family announces the passing of their mother Karen. She is survived by her husband Bert, children Brett (Sarah), Jenna and Brodie, and her two loving pets Zach and Sully. Karen was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her parents were Hedley and Lillian Abbs; she is survived by her siblings Peter (Marilyn), Sue and Carol.
Karen attended Cameron Avenue Public and Northview Heights Collegiate Schools. After graduating, Karen was employed at a local physician’s office. Karen then embarked on her lifelong journey and moved to Kerrobert, Saskatchewan and was employed at the local newspaper, Kerrobert Citizen, as an office manager.
In 1983, Karen met Bert while playing at a fastball tournament. Karen was an excellent athlete and played many sports including fastball, curling and tennis. On July 28, 1984, Karen and Bert married in Kerrobert. In 1989, Brett Andrew was born, just a year later Karen and Bert moved to Rosetown, Saskatchewan due Bert being transferred for work. Karen and Bert’s stay in Rosetown was short as Bert was transferred again in 1991 to Manitou, Manitoba. On February 9th, 1992, Jenna Leigh and Brodie Ryan were born and her family was complete.
In 2001, it was decided to move one last time to Morden, Manitoba. Karen was employed as an Educational Assistant at Morden Collegiate for 26 years. Karen enjoyed working with children with exceptional needs, she volunteered her time with Special Olympics and worked part-time for Gateway Resources for over 15 years.
In 2020, Karen and Bert decided to purchase a family cottage, in Grindstone Provincial Park. The cabin was Karen’s “happy place”. She enjoyed going on long bike rides, sitting on the dock each morning with a coffee and taking Zach and Sully for many walks. During winter, she enjoyed snowshoeing and sitting by the fire with a good book.
Karen possessed a remarkable knack for forging connections with anyone she encountered. Frequently, her family would find her absent for hours while she strolled with her dogs, befriending strangers or reconnecting with old acquaintances. This habit perplexed her loved ones, yet it was typical of Karen to engage in lively conversations with newfound or familiar faces. Her hospitality extended beyond the neighbourhood streets; her home became a gathering place for a diverse array of individuals. Over the years, current and former students would drop by for a cup of coffee, alongside new friends she met during her excursions. Always ready to lend a compassionate ear, she embodied kindness and empathy in her interactions.
Karen cherished her family deeply, finding immense joy in her roles as both a mother and a partner to her husband, Bert. Their enduring love endured for 39 years, radiating brightly in their daily lives. Whether it was Bert preparing her lunch before heading to work or their shared passion for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and other sports teams, their affection was evident in every gesture. When it came to her children, Karen’s devotion knew no bounds. Each day, she made it a point to send a text to each of them, concluding with the heartfelt phrase, “Love you most,” a testament to her boundless affection.
It was Karen’s wish not to have a funeral or celebration of life, in place of flowers a donation in Karen’s name to Pembina Valley Humane Society or Special Olympics Manitoba.https://somanitoba.akaraisin.com/ui/somdonations
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences by using the comment field below.
Sending love. Karen was a beautiful person with so much kindness and love for all.
I had the privilege of coaching special Olympics with Karen. She was involved in the Morden club and I ran the Winkler club. We should have been competitive rivals. But instead we became friends. Karen is someone who always made everyone feel special.
My thoughts and prayers are with Karen’s family as her passing will leave a huge hole. .
To Burt, Brett, Jenna, and Brodi I am so sorry for the loss of your wife and mom. I will miss seeing her on walks with her pups while stopping to talk and catch up on life. Karen was a beautiful woman inside and out with her positive spirit and contagious smile that would brighten anyone’s day. I was privileged to work with her as well as know her kind spirit. Words seems inadequate as you reflect and grieve your loss. Your family is in my thoughts.
An amazing wonderful person has left us too soon. Karen’s kindness to all was an example for the rest of us. She was a dedicated coworker who had a special place in her heart for our Life Skills/Special Needs community. For Bert and his family, may the many happy memories sustain you through this time of loss.
My deepest condolences to Karen’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Karen in the Life Skills Resource at MCI. She was a very thoughtful and kind soul. Her smile and laughter will be missed.
My sincere condolences to the family. She was such a warm, kind person! It was a real pleasure to have met her and it is very sad that she has passed.
Have fond memories of Karen, Bert and children, when they lived on Souris Street in Manitou. May all your memories be happy ones. Terry and Gerry
Dear Bert and family. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies on Karen’s passing. She was a sweet caring wife and mom. Hugs to you all. Sincerely Marc and Louise Vigier
Our deepest condolences to Bert and the family. Had the pleasure of talking to her at our company Christmas banquets. She was always a great person to talk to and be around.
Karen was a beautiful soul. My family send their sympathy along to your whole family. She was a treasured friend and colleague, and I will remember her kindness forever.
Karen was one of the nicest people I know. She was a great friend and colleague. I will miss her and remember her kindness and a wonderful soul.
My warmest thoughts and condolences.
I was blessed to have the gift of Karen’s friendship. I miss her presence in my life but will always treasure the memories.
Farewell my dear friend.
Karen had the BIGGEST heart in that tiny body. She was walking empathy. I loved how deeply she cared for people with special needs and advocated for them. I knew that the students she worked with were never just an assigned duty for her, they were people she cared deeply about. Her positivity and smile brightened our hallways and classrooms every day she was there. I loved working with her, curling with her, having a drink or two with her…I loved her. I am so sad for your family. She loved you SO much and she was so proud of each and every one of you. She was a beautiful person and I am blessed to have known her. ❤️
Our sincere condolences to all of you. Our heart aches for you as you journey through this loss.
Hugs and prayers.
Paul and Rita Moen
A wonderful life well lived, all your old friends are thinking of you Bert and your family ,hope to see you in the coming months
Condolences to Bert and their children and extended family! Karen was a lovely soul! Sharon and I had coffee with her two days before she went to hospital. I remember laughing over such silly things with her that day! Listening to her talk with such love about her family! You will be so missed by your students and all who knew and loved you!
So very sorry for your loss and so nice to see such lovely caring comments.
You are all very much in my thoughts. Love Shaggs {Pat}
So sorry for your lost my old friend. I know that Karen is the love of your life, and your time together raising your family was absolutely the best thing that ever happened to the both of you!
Please know that we are praying for you and your family, and will always hold all of you in our hearts.
God bless
It was a pleasure to know Karen, even when you had not seen her and Bert for years she would make a point to strike up a conversation. Such a kind woman an she was fiercely proud of her children. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Karen was one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever met. She was a pleasure to know and will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
It is a such a privilege to be able to say I knew Karen. From the first day I met her almost 20 years ago she went out of her way to be kind
thoughtful, and generous. I was lucky enough to get to work with her at MCI and curl with her and I looked forward to every interaction I got to have. Thank you Karen for being such a light in so many people’s lives, and especially for the way you made me feel. You are missed beyond measure. I will treasure the memories always. ❤️ I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss Bert, Brett, Brody and Jenna.
Sending our most sincere condolences to you, Bert and the kids! We have fond memories of being neighbours. Our hearts go out to you in this huge loss!! We are praying for you.
Condolences to Bert, Brett, Jenna and Brodie on the passing of Karen. She was a special person and will be truly missed.
Bert and family ,
I am so very sorry for your loss. She was , by far, one of the kindest people I have ever met. Regardless of how much time had passed between us she always greeted me with her wonderful smile.
Just being in her presence made one want to be and do better.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Jenna, Brodie, Brett and Bert.
The neighborhood isn’t the same without seeing Karen walking her little dogs, Sully and Zach. She will be missed. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Boden, Teja, Kiera, Susanne & Al.
Bert,Brett,Jenna,Brodie. There are many memories of the Manitou days. Always a smile whenever you met Karen at anytime anyplace. There are many words that come to mind to describe how sad Deb and I were when we heard the news of Karen passing. Cherish all the memories
Scott&Deb Cockbill
Bert, Brett, Jenna and Brodie. I am very sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. I will always remember Karen’s warm and friendly greetings and conversations whenever we met up at the hockey arena or in town. She was very proud of all of you.
Janice Lukowski
Our deepest condolences Bert, Brett, Jenna and Brodie, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May all your wonderful memories of Karen bring you comfort.
A friend with a kind heart, a friend with a listening ear, a friend who cared about everyone! Who would have thought our invite for tea and goodies at Betty’s just two days before her life took a turn would be our last! She will be missed by many. Bert, Brett, Jenna and Brodie, cherish your memories and may it give you strength n the difficult days ahead! 🤗
Bert and family. Susan and I are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Karen. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Brian and Susan Kefford
Condolences to Bert and family. We are so sorry for your loss. She always treated us with genuine kindness and wore a beautiful smile on her face.
I’m saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. Our condolences to the Dow family. Karen was a EA in my class over 20 years ago. She was always kind and had a listening ear. She was always happy to see each student each day. Now that my children are in school I still run in to her raising the flags in the mornings always saying hi, and giving a wave as I’m driving. She will be missed by many. Rest easy!!
I will deeply miss her, She worked with me a lot and I will never forget her. My condolences to the family. RIP my sweet loving EA. You will be missed so much! <3 She taught me so much through my highschool years and I appreciated her so much! <3
We are so sorry for your incredible loss!! She had a beautiful smile and a soul to go with it. Praying your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this difficult time!
Bert, Brett, Jenna, and Brodie. We are deeply saddened to hear about Karen’s passing. During this very difficult time, please know that our thoughts are with you.
Bert, Brett, Jenna & Brodie
We were so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Karen always had a smile and time to stop and chat with everyone she met. May your many memories give you comfort at this difficult time. Take Care
It was always a pleasure stopping to chat with Karen at work. She was so genuine and caring and asked after my family and liked to talk about how much she enjoyed her own kids when they were the same age as mine, and loved to tell me how involved Bert was as a father too. She was always positive and everyone at work appreciated her gentle nature. She is so very missed, and our thoughts are with the ones she loved the most.
Bert, Brett, Jenna and Brodie, we were so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing but we know that she has left you with many beautiful memories. We hope they can provide you with comfort during this very difficult time.
To dow family im so sorry about karen dow she was my ea in school she was so nice very happy to everyone im in shock about her hearing about her passing away its to soon rest in peace my friend i will miss her
I am sorry for your loss, Bert. I think I only met Karen once; at your wedding. I remember thinking she was a gorgeous bride. My thoughts are with you and your family. Penny.