Karen was born in Kenora on Aug.3rd, 1949 to parents Pirie and Emily Campbell.
She was the youngest of the Campbell clan, and always told stories of growing up with her brothers. Most stories involved the boys showing their “brotherly love” towards their baby sister, the trouble they got into, and how she may have been the one to tattle on them. Growing up in Lakeside held many memories, whether it was a trip to the Poirier’s corner store, or hanging out with the neighbourhood kids.
Karen met Robert (Bobby) and they married on Oct.17th 1970. They settled in Rabbit Lake, building their home and life together. Their family grew when Paula was born, followed by David a few years later.
Summertime at the Spencers’ always seemed to be bustling with extra family and friends with trips to the beach, pool parties or hanging out in the sun porch. Everyone knew Boxing Day at the Spencer’s was an event you never wanted to miss, especially Karen’s homemade perogies and orange jellied salad. There was no shortage of food, family, friends, laughter, and stories.
Karen had a big heart, and she always had a caring and motherly nature about her, not just with her own kids but with everyone that came into her life. Family was the most important thing to Karen. She was especially excited when her family grew by two, when her grandchildren came along. She enjoyed watching them grow and thought the world of them.
Karen worked for years with her brother Ken at KC Refrigeration, keeping him and the crew in-line for 30+ years. She retired in 2016 to spend more time with Bobby, the kids, grandkids, grand dog Bailey and her friends and family. Karen also had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. She may not know your name, but chances were she knew your dogs. Karen loved long walks on Rabbit Lake with Bobby and Bailey and also enjoyed curling and socializing with the girls.
Karen will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 53 years Robert, daughter Paula, son David (Jennifer), grandchildren Abby and Hudson, brothers Allan (Audrey), Brian (Bonnie), and many nieces and nephews. Karen will also be missed and forever remembered by numerous extended family members and dear friends.
Loved ones waiting to embrace her include Karen’s parents, brother Ken, nephew David, auntie Nor, Nana Carlson and Nana Bastien.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at Pinecrest for their care and compassion towards Karen over this last year. Our family would also like to thank Cory and the staff at Brown’s Funeral Home for their kindness and support.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their kind and thoughtful words and expressions of sympathy. There will be no service, but a small gathering is taking place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Karen’s memory to either: A Dog’s Life, The Salvation Army or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
“It’s hard to turn the page when you know someone won’t be in the next chapter, but the story must go on”… (Thomas Wilder)
Rest Easy ”Love”
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Spencer family.
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