Karen Louise Young

Karen Louise Young nee Reite passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022 after a long and valiant fight. She is survived by her father - Sverre Reite, children - Adam Ford, Jennifer Ford, and Brian Young, and grandchildren - Delaney Coughlan-Ford, Davin Ford, and Aliya Ford. She is predeceased by her mother, Stephanie Reite and sister, Diana Radelfinger, and grandson, Kaden Ford.

Born to Sverre & Stephanie Reite on December 14, 1956 in North Vancouver where she was raised and attended school. She moved to Abbotsford in 1982 to raise her family and start her first business, Crowning Touch Communications. Karen had a passion for education, mentorship and giving back to the community and helping those in need. She founded and directed Changes Training Centre, and continued creating online courses through LearnPro. Karen authored three books.

Karen worked with Lookout Society as Director of Resource Development and then as Executive Director at Surrey Cares to help those most in need.

Karen was an active member in the community - serving on the Planning Committee for the Western Canada Summer Games; in the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce (president 2001); on the Abbotsford Symphony Orchestra Society (President 2001-2006), Rotary Club Abbotsford-Matsqui (president 2005-2006; awarded the Paul Harris Fellow); Abbotsford Arts & Heritage Advisory Committee; and the BC Arts Council. Karen was awarded the Myrtle Everett Woman of the Year award in 1999, and nominated in 2006.

Karen's faith was very real and personal. She gave of her time to several different committees in her church. Karen's unwavering faith and wisdom was an inspiration to many around her. Her unfailing belief that God was in control helped her navigate the many challenges life presented over the years. She talked to God on a regular basis and trusted that He would look after those she loved. Prayer was important to her and she met regularly with a number of her friends, bringing joys, sorrows and requests to God. Prayers were answered and burdens were lifted.

How do you sum up the life of this incredible, amazing woman in just a few words? Beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor and friend. Karen touched the lives of all who met her. Karen will be remembered for her strong faith, positive, can-do attitude, never backing-down from her goals and her unique infectious laugh. She will be sorely missed.

Job 19:25-27

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes — I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Private viewing will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 10:00 am at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford, BC.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Sevenoaks Alliance Church, 2575 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Young family.