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October 10, 1956 to March 16, 2022
At a time much too soon for us all, our beautiful Mom, Grammie, Daughter and Sister passed away so peacefully at home surrounded by family who love her so deeply. Karen was born on October 10, 1956 in Calgary, Alberta to first-time parents Jack and Jackie Purkis. Karen was the centre of attention for that new Purkis family with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles as well as cousins all marveling at her beautiful strawberry blonde hair! She was an adventurous, boundary-testing child, much to her mother’s chagrin and her father’s secret delight!
Karen was born to be a mother. She loved her own two children, Matthew and Kirby, deeply and fully. She loved holding them as babies and she revelled in their activities and their friends as they grew into the remarkable people they are today. Her house was activity central – everyone knew they would always find something good to eat and a willing ear anytime they entered her home.
Karen had a passion for animals and travel. She enjoyed many trips with friends and family to locations near and far including California, Hawaii and even China. Her faithful Boston Terrier, Phoebe, was constantly at her side for many walks throughout Vancouver Island.
In 2013 Karen relocated to Victoria following her retirement from Alberta Honey Producers, where she worked for over 20 years. She built a new circle of good friendships with neighbours and became involved as a volunteer with the Eldercare Foundation, supporting fund-raising efforts to improve senior living that had so positively impacted her own mother’s life, as well as with Island Health, accompanying seniors on appointments around the region. Her helpful and practical approach to life made difficult journeys so much easier for everyone involved.
When grandchildren began arriving six years ago she was thrilled! Kirby and Gino brought Gavin and Luca into her life and more recently, Matt and Amber brought twins Kendal and Jackson into the family fold. When everyone visited last fall, Karen was right in the thick of things chasing twins through a pumpkin patch and following young adventurers right to the shores of Botanical Beach!
We would like to thank her amazing and knowledgeable Home Care Nurse, Mandy and the support of the Palliative Response Team from Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s name can be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue Society of Alberta or to the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation.
