Karen was “the Hostess with the “mostess” in every way. She had a very special elegance and a gorgeous smile that could charm the birds - as they say…. Her smile was so full of her loving spirit that I felt very fortunate to know her, to be her neighbour. Neither of us had sisters and so we pretended that we were! She felt like a little sister to me, but so talented in so many ways that it could have been intimidating, except for her kindness, her generosity, her thoughtfulness. I felt blessed to have her as my friend.

Since she passed away I still see her in my mind’s eye - the beautiful smile, the smiling eyes and the colourful hair - alternating with the last vision I had of her - so silent, so vulnerable, lying in her bed and waiting to die but still responding to my voice. She will live in my head and heart forever, but the loss of her physical presence makes me very sad.

To Andrew, Debra (Matthew, Katherine and Kurtis) and Tammy (Leo and Alexander), I send my deepest condolences to all of you at this time of your great loss. But you’re Karen’s family and she has made you strong so you will survive. But even the strong are allowed to weep to ease their pain at such a time, however long it lasts. With much love, Tania