Karin was born in Zwolle, Holland the first born of Albertus and Wilma Willems. The family emigrated to the lower mainland of BC when Karin was only 6 weeks old. All of the family members had to have jobs, so Karin was cared for by her Oma, Grace Marsman. As the family prospered they moved from Burnaby to Surrey back to Burnaby and then to New Westminster.
Karin attended John Knox Christian for elementary school and New West Senior Secondary. Swim team, led to swim instructing which led to lifeguarding at the New West YMCA and provided Karin her first real job while still in high school. Karin went on to attend the inaugural class of Dental Assistant Training at Douglas College and was selected as class Valedictorian.
Raised to be steadfast and committed to the Lord, Karin worked in her own quiet way to ensure that her husband to be, would share that commitment.
Karin and Daryl were married in 1977 and lived in Burnaby as Karin worked in a dental office in Kerrisdale and Daryl attended BCIT. Then the excitement started, Karin brought the loves of her life into the world, Benjamin in 1979 in Burnaby, and Matthew in 1981 in Calgary.
With her family, Karin moved from Burnaby to Calgary to Langley to Okotoks, to Aldergrove and finally to settle in Abbotsford in 1985 and joined Trinity Christian Reformed Church. Karin was devoted to raising her children and usually had a part time job she would work at. Once the boys were in high school Karin worked for Thunderbird Home Centres, Blackwood Building Supplies and Envision Credit Union until it was necessary to go on long term disability due to health issues in 2012.
Karin’s gifts included kindness, selflessness, thoughtfulness, hospitality and servitude. Always interested in home décor, interior design and art, Karin had a great eye for setting up a room or a house and often would be asked to assist friends, neighbours and relatives with colour, texture, shape and so many other elements that make up design. Most of Karin’s pieces would come from local thrift stores and she loved to be on the hunt for a special find. Always a very thoughtful person Karin had an ability to be able to provide presents for us that were just perfect.
In 2002 the grandchildren began joining the family starting with Caleb. Followed by Caden then Moxon, Vayda, Jaxson, Matix, and rounded out in ‘16 with Arwen and Avianna. These grandchildren were a huge source of joy in her life and she deeply enjoyed her time with them.
Karin loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Europe with her sister and mother as well a couple European trips with Daryl. Several ski vacations with the family were a lot of fun as were the trips to Disneyland and Greatwolf Lodge. Many trips to Mexico with Daryl were enjoyable but her dream trips were the ones with the whole family for a week at an all-inclusive beachfront resort, watching the little children learn and grow.
In 2015 Karin bought a tiny cottage for her family on Hatzic Lake and in 2017 after a violent wind storm, supervised renovations and additions to turn it into a full size family lakehouse.
In 2021 Karin took on the challenge of an extensive renovation to the family home in Abbotsford, which required moving out of the house for 5 months.
Karin had numerous medical issues resulting in long term impacts to her health, Karin seldom disclosed and never complained or felt sorry for herself.
In March of 2022, Karin was given a diagnosis of terminal stage 4 Leiomyosarcoma with a prognosis of life expectancy of 5 months. Immediately, Karin came up with a saying that she was ‘living with cancer’ and through her faith, her dedication to be healthy, the support of her family, friends and church, the power of prayer, the intervention of the Holy Spirit and the work of the gifted medical personnel at the BC Cancer Agency, Karin was able to live a quiet, happy life for 18 months. Praise the Lord.
A memorial service for Karin will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 at 2:30 at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 3215 Trethewey St, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4C1
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Dahlen family.
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