It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Karen McLean, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a good friend to many.
Karen passed away peacefully with family by her side after a lengthy illness; we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and comfort.
Mom will be greatly missed by her husband of 63 years Cecil, daughters Corinne, Laura (Kevin); grandchildren Melissa, Melanie, Kayla, Jessica and Ryan; great grandchildren Wyatt, Aaliyah and Charlott, Sister Patricia, and Brother David.
Mom was raised in Dauphin MB and married Cecil in 1961; they relocated to Winnipeg in 1965. Mom worked for BMO until her retirement in 2005.
For many years she loved their cottage in Belair and then traveling to many places.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation in Karen’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
The family wishes to thank Middlechurch Home for their caring and compassion shown to Karen and her family during her time there.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Thursday July 25th at 1:00 p.m., at the Selkirk Royal Canadian Legion, 403 Eveline St. Selkirk MB.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences using the comment field below.
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.
