Obituaries

I just seen this today. Very sad to hear. She'll be dearly missed. She was a wonderful neighbour that always encouraged my music. Rest Easy Karen.

Words cannot express how heartbroken I am that Karen has passed. I was in awe of her courage and positive attitude all during her battle this past year. We became good friends working together at the then, City of Halifax, and had many adventures together. After I retired, we stayed in touch and had the occasional golf game or lunch together. I will miss you always Karen, and hope you and Buddy are together at a cottage on a warm beach relaxing and free of pain. My sincere condolences go out to all her family and friends. Love Paulette Gillespie

I was so saddened to hear of Karen's passing. She was a wonderful person. We worked together and her desk was close to mine. She was quietly unassuming and I loved her sense of humour. Always enjoyed the stories about Buddy and the fact that she checked in with her Mom every day. She was a great support when my husband had a stroke at age 50, and I will be always be grateful for that. After she retired I always hoped I would run into her walking Buddy around Lake Banook, but I never did. She was gone much too soon. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Karen's family and friends. Fly high with Buddy, Karen.

I'm another member of the "Swamp Monkeys" who never had the pleasure of meeting Karen. I looked forward to her posts every day. She'd talk about her adventures with Buddy and all the extra care and loving she gave him in his senior years. The trips they took to the cottage in the summer. She'd kid about having a "pool boy". Her trips to see her mom and attempts to help her "declutter". She was someone who loved her family and friends and who I was proud to call a friend.

we never met in person but karen was a huge part of our swamp family. we shared our lives, good, bad, funny and crazy times. she is sooo missed. she's with buddy now and im sure they are enjoying those longs walks on the beach and checking out the "view" from the house and cottage. condolences to her family. Linda from NJ

I am so saddened to be writing this on Karen's passing. Karen and I met in elementary school and were friends for life. Our own lives took different paths but when together we never had a problem catching up. She was a calm person, thinking of others, especially her Mom and Buddy. Through Karen's remarkable journey over the last year and a half, her true personality shone, always positive never wanting others to worry. We kept crossing our fingers but life had a different plan. Sending loving thoughts to Karen's Mom, brothers, extended family and friends.

I also never met Karen in person. But, through my interactions with her on the Aruba forum, and by following her battle through her posts, I feel like she was a good friend. Karen, I won't get to meet you in person in Aruba in 2024, as I'd planned. But I know you'll be there the next time I go regardless when it is! Cheers!

I am so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. I worked with Karen for many years but had not seen her since she retired. She was a genuinely good person who was respected and always held in highest regard. Her outstanding leadership and influence has without a doubt enriched the lives of many. Karen was an extraordinary woman who was taken too soon. I hope you take comfort in knowing that she will be missed by many and her memory will remain as we fondly remember her. My condolences to her family and friends.

I am truly saddened to learn of Karen's passing. A pleasure to work with for several years with the City of Halifax. A consummate professional in her work...often dealing with confidential correspondence and related time pressures with total discretion and efficiency...and a cheerful soul in more relaxed circumstances. Gone way too early...Godspeed.... Doug Quinn

Sending my heartfelt condolences to Karen's family and friends. There are no words that would make this easier or express the sadness that I feel. Karen was a kind hearted person who will be missed very much. Sending all my love and many hugs. Heaven has gained another angel.

My deepest condolences to Karen's family and friends. I knew Karen though Aruba and she was a quick witted and kind person who will be missed by many. The world is less bright without her. Kathy Massachusetts USA

My sincere sympathy to Karen's family. She was a sweet, kindhearted person whom I had the honour of knowing through work and retirement for over 45 years. I'll be watching for butterflies in our flower garden next spring.

My deepest condolences to Karen's family. I too worked with Karen at HRM. She would help me when every I had questions and I inspired to learn from her. Karen always enjoyed sunny vacations and I would enjoy listening to where she had been. Although we lost contact a few years after her retirement, this news is heartbreaking. - Paula Cogswell

Deepest sympathies to Karen's family and many friends on her passing. I knew Karen from working with the City of Halifax/HRM survey department. Enjoyed many parties at City, her afternoon at lunch swim exercises classes many years ago and just conversations with her over the years. She always had a warm beautiful smile which we'll surely miss. Karen, enjoy the waves of Aruba.

My thoughts are with the Dowding and Zinck families as you grieve the loss of Karen. I hope that as your family processes this loss, you can walk through it together. May you also find comfort in the memories you shared with Karen. Please accept my deepest sympathies. - Ralph

My deepest sympathy on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Karen at City of Halifax and HRM. Norma

I am devastated to hear of Karen's passing. We worked together at HRM, her station near mine. On days when things seemed overwhelming Karen had a calming influence, she exuded a sense that if you take it easy you will get there. Although we lost contact after our retirement memories of her smile still remained. Thank you Karen for being you. Phil Townsend

So very sorry to learn of Karen's passing. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. I worked with Karen during the former City of Halifax days. She was always an amazing colleague, an absolute gem! Fly with the eagles Karen...

My sincerest condolences to all of Karen's family and friends near and far. Karen's beautiful spirit and smile will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

I Never met Karen but it seems like I have known her. She was always so caring & sweet in the Aruba forum. We will miss you so much!!!! Fly high Special Karen....prayers for her family. May you rest in eternal Peace forever. Love, Darlene from Pittsburgh, PA. We will never forget about you!! I am sure little buddy is in your arms now.

I'm so sorry to hear the news of Karen's passing. I've had the privilege of knowing Karen since 1996 when she worked with HRM. Karen was an extraordinary person and colleague. While not intentional she set extremely high standards, and was arguably the best in her position. She was humble and kind, and a true professional. It is hard to believe she has passed. To Karen's family my deepest sympathies. She was a wonderful person.

My deepest condolences to Karen's family; she was an angel and her life a gift, may your memories give you comfort. Karen was a dear friend who I will miss deeply. Our years working at City of Halifax/HRM started a friendship that endured and continued on into our retirement, a daily connection mixed with adventures of every sort. The past year her wit, humour, strength and courage all something to behold and inspiring on even her most difficult days. Butterflies, Karen said, will be my symbol and set me free....she is with Buddy and Ollie now flying free🦋🦋🦋

Although we never met, I will miss Karen's quick wit, the times she shared her vacations and photos with Buddy with us and all her Aruba trips. Fly high with Buddy now Karen. Denise Birch, Rhode Island

You are greatly missed Karen. We enjoyed meeting and spending time with you in Aruba. Fly with the angels my sweet friend. Mario & MaryLou Rhode Island - USA

We will always remember the wonderful times we had in Aruba. Deepest sympathy to Karen's mom, family and friends. Sue & Ron, Connecticut

I never met Karen but felt I knew her from the swamp in the Aruba group where she'll be missed ! R.I.P. Karen 💗

Although we never met in person, I enjoyed Karens spirit and wit in our swamp where Aruba monkeys gather on a daily basis. Her courage is an example to all of us. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Ingrid, the Netherlands

Sending my condolences to Karen's family. She will be missed. Judi, Aruba