Karen Elizabeth Lepp

Surrounded by family singing her home, Karen Elizabeth Lepp slipped peacefully into the presence of Jesus on August 1, 2017, at the Royal Columbian Hospital. Her love-strong, joy-filled heart could not survive two cardiac surgeries.

Karen. Auntie Karen. Miss Karen. Beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend. In every role, in every encounter, Karen gifted others with her warm hugs, big smile, and quite possibly a King’s Peppermint or black licorice. Karen was at her happiest teaching children. With patience - and a bagful of toys, art supplies, candies, and books always at the ready - she easily engaged any child she met. She was a fabulous babysitter and spent many years working as a nanny for various families, her favorite role of all. With great enthusiasm, she taught Bible stories and various crafts in church programs. Of all her jobs, including White Spot and Menno Home, Karen’s love for children and passion for crafting were of immeasurable worth as a teachers’ aide at the Fraser Valley Developmental Centre.

She also loved to crochet and knit, and gifted her colorful blankets and dishcloths to many family and friends.

We will miss seeing Karen drive up in her beloved “Blueberry Special,” and yet are consoled by the joy she’s now experiencing with Jesus, most likely in a Divinely-designed craft room, welcoming children in.

Karen has inspired us to live as she did - with affection and love for everyone in her life, thereby glorifying God by being who she was: God’s perfect creation.

Predeceased by her father Henry Lepp and brother-in-law Jim Pankratz, Karen is survived by her mother Elizabeth Lepp, siblings Ken (Shirley), Dan (Jacqui), Rob (Charlotte) and Lori Pankratz, many nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends.

The family thanks the staff at the Royal Columbian Cardiac Surgery ICU for their kindness and excellent care of Karen and her family during her stay.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Karen’s honor to Hope for Korah, online at https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/31521 or by post to “Hope for Korah”, P.O. Box 16013, Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 0C6.

The family invites all who loved Karen to attend her Celebration of Life on Friday, August 11 at 1:00 pm, at New Life Christian Reformed Church 35270 Delair Rd, Abbotsford.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.