Today I remember Karen's Courage, Compassion and Vision

Love to you all on this sad anniversary.  

This is a piece of pottery that I bought from Karen at Courage Foods. I looked up the cross and it is St. Bridgets Cross.  May the God of all comfort rest and abide with you all.  love Colleen Newell 

I’m so sorry to hear this, she was such a pillar of the Kingston Rd community. I used to love going into her store and she always seemed like a friend not just a business owner. Always with a smile and so friendly and helpful. My condolences to her family. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her ❤️

Hello to the O'brien's family. I have had to pleasure of meeting Karen on a few occasions. These were at concerts where both her Son,Jim Jr and my daughter,Jaz, were performing together.The first time was a gig on College street which coincided with my birthday and Jim jr was performing with his band. Karen was very bubbly and excited to be there and we had a great time sitting,dancing and listening to the performances.  Then we met again at The Opera House when the band Wannabe was performing and Jim jr was playing the bass guitar. All the stories that I have always heard about Karen empathized her caring nature and her loving spirit. As I listened to the celebration on Saturday August 27,2022, these same sentiments were described over and over again.From where I sit, she has left this Earth too early. Age 66 is considered young these days. I would have to believe that the world has missed one of its very true Angels. This is a sincere view of mine which I will expand on in future engagements . I would now take this opportunity to wish the entire family peace,serenity,and providence going forward.  Love and blessings always.
Jim Gibbons.

Dear Jim, Jim Jr and Devin,                                                                                        I'm sending my love and condolences to you and to Karen's family and the Courage Foods crew. Karen will be remembered by everyone who came into her orbit. She created a community hub where we can find good food and good vibes~ to hold body and Spirit together. Karen and I had a few heart to heart talks on the sidewalk outside the store, while she took a five minute smoke break. It's amazing what a five minute conversation with Karen can encompass. I am grateful for the relationships Jocelyn developed with Karen and Jim and the Courage Foods crew while they worked together in the old neighbourhood store.  After attending the beautiful service for Karen yesterday, and listening to the outpouring of love and affection for her, I only wish I had known Karen better. 

Dear Jim, Jim Jr, Devin, Betty and the whole Courage Foods Team!! My Deep and Sincere Condolences!! Karen and Jim were among the first to welcome me to Kingston Road Village many years ago!! Soon after my out of town parents who shared my love of this special place - often arranging their travel so they could arrive as early as possible - in time for the infamous sticky buns! :-) What I, and they, really came in for was Karen, Jim, Betty and Team and the outstanding shop they created and continue to create! A place of genuine welcome and warmth, service with a smile, and a place with a presence to match no other!! Filled with all sorts of high quality and innovative fresh/cooked foods and interesting products.  I have a sense of how much it has taken to launch build grow and move locations!! I admire your dedication and who you are as individuals and as a team! You have my love support and care!!! XXX

We used to enjoy seeing Karen, first at the Farmer's Daughter and later at Courage Foods. We then met her at a party for mutual friends. Seeing her out of context, it took me a moment to place her familiar face, but we had a wonderful conversation, and after that, I looked forward even more to seeing her at the shop. We learned only today that she had died, and we are still trying to process this information. How could someone so full of life no longer be there? She was such a delightful person, as well as competent and knowledgeable. We are still in shock. Our hearts go out to Jim and her sons.  Please accept our deepest condolences.
Philippa Campsie and Norman Ball

Karen was the very first person I met when i moved into 952 Kingston Road.  The building was still not complete, and I had no kitchen, so it was over to Farmer's Daughter to get something to eat.  I was amazed at her determination and dedication to the store - she even told me once that after late nights of prep for the next day, she would often sleep in the basement in order to get an early start on things the next morning.  She and Betty created a very night catering spread for my housewarming, and over the years and once Courage Food became her dream reality, I always bought stickie buns when ever we had friends over.  I can't believe that he life has been cut short, and so suddenly. Even after I moved out of the 'hood, if I dropped in she was always genuinely interested in how my family was.  
I'm so very sorry for her family, Betty, her other staff.
 

This is such shocking news. What is our neigbourhood without Karen? A little less than it once was for sure. And who will ever be able to make such creative and beautiful notes on the chalkboards? My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and co-workers. She was always so friendly and helpful, often going out of her way to arrange for that special cake or meet some impossible deadline. I shall ever feel her presence when I walk through the doors of her beautiful new store. 
Scott Kennedy

I am saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Karen. I have been a longtime customer at Courage Foods. It’s apparent, by the comments here,  I wasn’t the only one you was touched by Karen’s genuine warmth and kindness. Something that always stuck with me….anytime the shop was busy and there was a line-up Karen would say, “Thank you for waiting” as you approached the counter. I always thought that was such a lovely thing to say and she truly meant it. She genuinely appreciated her customers. The truth is, I didn’t mind waiting. The environment that Karen and Jim created was calm - even when it was busy - and you felt that the minute you walked into the store. To Jim, her boys, Betty, family, friends, coworkers, please accept my deepest condolences.
Melissa 

I’m deeply saddened to hear of Karen’s death. I will never forget her kindness. Once when my partner was very sick and I was genuinely rattled by how poorly he was doing she sensed my uneasyness and pressed lemon and ginger into my hands free of charge explaining as she went how to make tea for him. I’m sure these kindnesses were a regular occurrence for her as she was just that kind of person. She shared many loving memories of being a mother when she heard of my pregnancy so I know just how much her family will miss her.  We will miss her too  -Ann Matt and Rosalie 

First of all, such deep and sincere condolences to Jim, and to your sons. Also to dear Betty and all at the shop. Karen was Courage. Over the years, I was blessed to spend so many chatty times with her.  Karen had that unique authentic warmth, curiosity and humour, and somehow she never seemed rushed, was always eager to catch up, remembering small details of past conversations about family and whatever. Her generosity of spirit enlivened Kingston Rd. She spoke freely of her love and admiration for Jim and her sons. I am so very sorry for the loss of a truly kind and spirited woman, who brought light to so many people's lives.   Sending love, Judy Tate Barlow

A tragedy.

Jim,
I send my sympathy to you and your family.

Ansy and I were shocked to hear of Karen's passing today. While it has been such a long time since we saw her and Jim the memories of days in Montreal West will last forever. She was an unbelievably good actress as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker" at Montreal West High School and in other plays and comedy troupes in Montreal in the seventies and eighties. This is so sad. We send our condolences to Jim and all her family for a wonderful person who died too soon.

Karen and Jim were part of a comedy revue Phil was part of decades ago  in Montreal.  On stage, Karen was fantastic: adventurous,  spirited and very funny, much like she was in real life.  We were so fortunate to catch up with her and Jim in recent years.  We are truly saddened to hear of her passing and pass on our deepest sympathies to Jim, the boys & family and all her friends at Courage Foods.  

Phil Bedard & Mary Delli Colli 

We have been so saddened by this terrible news and it is so very hard to put into words what a deep loss this is to her family, friends and community. 
We have had the honour and joy of a wonderful friendship with Karen and Jim for many years, since our sons played soccer together as kids and teenagers. We shared wonderful times on and off the soccer field and our memories of Karen are filled with moments of laughter and warmth. Whether it was a drink at the Feathers or a visit up to our farm, we always re-connected and the passing years melted away. Such was Karen's warmth and love. We can't begin to imagine what Jim and the boys are going through, but hope that the wonderful tributes and outpourings of affection have eased the pain. We send all our fondest love to you all. 

Karen and I first met when she was hired to assist an autistic lilttle boy in my special education class at Kew Bach School.  We became good friends and re-strengthened our friendship when Karen opened Courage Foods.  She and I thought alike in many ways, and it was so exciting to see her,  her staff, and family's  efforts at creating a  successful  business for the neighbourhood.
Thank you, Karen for the pleasure and honour of knowing you.  I miss you.          Patricia Wenger

You will remain everlasting in my thoughts and prayers. Deepest of condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the neighborhood in which you served.. all of whom revered your presence and kind soul. 

Dear O’briens,
 I was very sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a wonderful person- so warm and sincere, smart and funny.
She will be much missed. 
 Wishing you sympathy and heartfelt affection.
Xox
Robby Tanz

Our deepest condolences to the family, we were all saddened to hear that Karen had passed. Karen was a wonderful, caring loving person.

So sorry for your loss,
Jonluca friends 🌹

Our deepest condolences to Jim, the boys and all of Karen’s family and friends. Our fond memories of Karen are many including some that extend back to our old high school days in Montreal West. We will miss her deeply. 

Karen was the embodiment of light in its true description, passionate, tireless,caring, driven, always on the go. I will miss her. I will miss her jokes and her laughter, her light figure either on her bike or constantly working behind the scenes in her shop. My deepest condolences to the family.  She will be forever remembered. 💙 

The messages here, so filled with grief and fond memories, express my feelings better than I can. As a regular customer at Courage, I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Karen was a wonderful person and a great presence in the Kingston Road Village. She always had a smile for her customers and remembered everyone. I'll always remember how promptly she agreed to add me to the Xmas sticky toffee pudding list, then we both started laughing.  My condolences to Karen's family and co-workers. You have lost a gem, but I hope you can take some comfort in knowing how appreciated and beloved she was.

I was shocked and very sad to hear about Karen’s sudden passing. I loved going to Courage Foods and having a chat and buying something delicious.  Her new shop was a masterpiece.  She is a great loss to the neighbourhood and my heartfelt sympathies goes to her husband and her boys and to Betty and the whole Courage crew. 



We had the joy and pleasure of working with Karen for several years. She was always very loving and supportive and always made sure we left the store with something in our hands. 

She will be greatly missed. 

Lots of love to her family.

I worked for Karen at Courage Foods for a short time.  She had a carefully considered mission for her shop that was thoughtful and compassionate.  My deepest condolences for Jim and her sons and her Courage family, especially her dear friend Betty and her family.   Karen told me Jim and her sons were the funny ones in her family but I remember her being very quick witted too and still laugh in memory of something she said.  It is startling and so sad that she is gone too soon but Karen will live on for many years to come in our memories of her,

I'll very much miss begging Karen for sticky buns, along with her warm smile, and calm manor. She exemplified the meaning and value of local community. The world more than ever needs that. My heart and love goes out to the family.

Dear Jim and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing her at family events. Her gorgeous smile could not be missed . My deepest condolences to you all.


Very sad to hear of Karen's sudden passing. When we lived in the Beach, I and my family and our team at Threads Lifestyle were in Courage every day buying snacks and lunch because Karen and Jim made it such a bright spot to be. The Beach, and indeed our world in general, is the poorer for her passing. Our thoughts are with Jim, the Courage team, and Karen's extended family during this sad and difficult time. 

One winter's day a lady forgot a package at Courage. Karen was worried about how she could get it delivered. I took the parcel to the lady and Karen was thankful. She took a special interest in everyone.
Barb Phillips


Our deep condolences to Jim and the family, and the team at Courage, for this sudden loss. As so many have written, we’ve been coming to Courage Foods (and Farmer’s Daughter before that) for the longest time. Karen was always the rock and the soul of the Courage crew. We can’t believe Karen is gone and will always remember her kindness and personal care whenever we came to the store.

There are no words to the sadness and loss I feel karen was the the best part of the  Neighborhood. Jim and to your family I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Karen's kindness hugs laughs always.xoxo

There are no words that can express the sadness we feel with Karen’s passing. Reading the tributes posted here really summarize what Karen was all about. Whether you were a customer, a friend or family, you were always greeted with open arms and a smile. 

We are so fortunate to be able to call Karen and Jim our good friends. We shared so many memories watching our kids on the soccer pitch, the ice rinks and then some great dinners.  

We will miss Karen dearly.



I am so very sad and so sorry to hear of Karen’s death.  I often went to the store , Courage, and spoke with Karen.  She was  so lovely on so many levels, inside and outside.  Her bright light always shone.  The love she felt for me and all others that came to Courage was palpable.  What a generous and kind person she was.  My love that I felt for Karen now goes out to you, Jim, and your family and friends. My husband, Thomas, and I are now living in Kamloops, BC.  In the past few days there is a space in my heart for Karen.  I find myself thinking about her often. Blessings, Anita Levin

Dear Jim and family,  I'm so sorry for your loss. Some of my  best childhood memories are of trips to the little house on Percival Avenue in Montreal West,  discovering the big city,  experiencing a new culture and being able to hang out with the Fullerton girls was pretty heady stuff for a young guy from small town  Ontario.  I miss those days and wish we could have had  more time together in later years. 













Our deepest condolences to James, his family and friends. May Karen Rest In Peace. 
James may you and your children find comfort in recalling all the memories you made together with Karen. 


I can’t imagine walking into Courage and not seeing Karen.  She always made everyone feel welcome and special.  I marvelled at her incredible patience and kindness. No matter how long the line to purchase food items, Karen treated each customer with respect and dignity. It felt good to be around her. She will be dearly missed. 

I was so sad to hear about Karen's passing. We knew her and Jim from the store and they were both a wonderful part of our routine and lives. Karen was always so welcoming and interesting in how we were doing, or happy to share a story or a laugh. I remember many, many laughs. My condolences to Jim and the rest of her family. She will be missed.

Mike (and Rick)

I regret not taking you up on that offer of having that drink with you. You and Jim (and the entire Courage Foods family) have been nothing but generous, supportive and so loving the years I've got to know you. I question how we continue moving on in this world where you're not in it. But you gave me so many wonderful moments and memories that I will always carry with me. It was such a privilege to have you in my life even for a brief time. I will always cherish it. Matt and I will never forget you Karen.

Karen Loved wholeheartedly and was loved in the Same way.  I ache for each of you .  Lately I have been seeing her in all her ages in memory, hearing bits of  conversations  had or just feeling a sense of happiness felt in her presence.  Do you remember that film Dad shot on the dunes in Port Burwell, as he caught Karen, as a toddler with her blonde Shirley Temple curls bopping in the wind,  as she tries with all her might, to catch Jim, Bob, and Lynne as they race ahead - she doesn't catch them , but oh how she tried!  She lived her life with the same vigor in my opinion.   We watched that reel at 86 Lisgar sometime ago in the 80's maybe, at a family gathering as I recall.  I remember sitting there with all the Cousins and Boy friends, and Girl friends, Babies  Aunts and Uncles , crammed together in the dark, it was a sweet and beautiful moment.  We all laughed at our younger selves .    I will cherish  those times  over so many years and I will cherish Karen.  Please  know  all of you are in my thoughts and that you are loved.  Blessings.

My heart is forever incomplete now that you are gone.  This family bond you created between us is stronger than blood.  The trust and love you shown me throughout the years have given me confidence and strength.  Hopefully it's enough for me to get through this day, for I have just lost not only my friend, but a mentor, mother, sister! I will always love you Karen, my life will never be the same.

What a wonderful person, giving, caring, a wise woman with a perspective all her own, an original. She had inspiring words for me that I will never forget, positive and enduring. There will be no one else like her.  She spoke of her intriguing conversations with Jim, the life paths and accomplishments of her sons, and her thoughts about living in the present.  My son and I will miss her dearly. 

Karen was always so friendly and welcoming whenever we visited the store. She was a wonderful presence in the neighbourhood and will be deeply missed by all.  We offer our sympathies to her family and friends.

After my Dad died, and my Mom, Charlotte,  sold our family home. She moved into an apartment at KR andVP. She walked every day and Courage Foods, amongst others,  became  favoured destinations. Karen embraced mom's independence,  and later, her presence, with me and her walker. Karen will be sorely missed. RIP 

I am so sorry to hear the news about Karen’s passing.  My deepest sympathies to her friends and family.  Such a loss for the community.

Dear Karen’ family, 
Truly a sad time for you all. There seem to be no words the fill that gap that has entered your lives. I am so very sad for you and in my heart ❤️. Karen was my student at COBALT GALLERY and she had a enthusiasm  to create. Along with other students we had chats about motherhood, running a business when she first opened Courage Foods and life. Our common interest were Greek figs and new Ontario apples. Karen supported my business buying gifts for family and friends. I loved having her down the street for a quick lunch and chat, always smiling and laughing. She will be missed by her customers in the neighborhood . Karen was part of the heart of the Kingston Road businesses. 
sincerely,
Annette💙


I remember Karen's amazing smile. It lit up the room. She was full of life, laughter and love. Those memories will be with me always.
Cousin Anita

I am shocked to hear of Karen's passing. What a wonderful presence on Kingston Road for so many years. I'm not sure I would have got through the early pandemic without Karen's kind filling of orders and supportive presence. My heartfelt condolences to Jim and family for such a loss. I'll miss her smile so much. 
Pat Davies

We were so very saddened to learn of Karen's passing; such a vibrant and caring lady who we are going to miss very much whenever we go in to Courage Foods; our hearts go out to Karen's family and we wish them well. With Our Deepest Condolences, Trish and Ken Temple

We are deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of our neighbour, Karen. Through her fantastic local shop, Courage Foods, she nurtured the community with amazing meals while also nurturing our souls in her warm way, with her interesting conversation and words of wisdom. She had a peaceful personality and a knowing look she expressed through her soulful eyes. We would joke about the challenges of keeping our growing sons satiated and the many mountains of meals involved. I fondly remember when her son’s song came on the radio at the shop. She was beaming as she gracefully moved to the music. She was proud of both her boys and it was nice to see her achieve her own success alongside her husband and partner, Jim. 

Karen was a wonderful and hard-working woman who will me missed by many. It’s shocking that such a vibrant person has passed. I’ve only known her for about a decade in a neighbourly way, but in speaking with Jim I’ve learned more about her incredible life – including her background in fine arts, acting and dance. None of it surprises me. She clearly had an artistic sensibility about her, from the way she dressed to the way her handwriting was carefully presented on the shop menu. 

Rest in peace, Karen – it was such a pleasure to know you. Deepest condolences to Jim and the family. 

Sincerely,
Connie Vitello Harding and family


I am devastated to hear about Karen’s sudden passing. She was a beautiful person. It’s difficult to believe I will never see her again. The last time I did, she gave me a supportive hug. That was who she was; compassionate, generous, caring, strong. She touched the lives of so many in our community with her kindness. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Karen will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Karen was and will be always one of the best memories we had, as we moved to Toronto. 
We are so sorry for your loss.

Alex & Family ,the Germans 

We are devastated to hear of Karen’s death.  Her presence in the community was like no other, respected,  Looked up to and admired.  She will be sorely missed and we are here for you Jim. You and your sons.  

 I am so sorry to learn of Karen's sudden passing. She was a genuine person, honest and sincere, and so kind. She had a wonderful aesthetic sensibility, and such a good sense of humour. One of the best. The neighborhood is going to really miss her. 


To Jim and the rest of Karen’s family: I cannot begin to express the depth of my respect, admiration and affection for Karen.  She was the reason Courage is not a shop. It is an institution. I cannot imagine Kingston Road without her. I wish I could offer some comfort to you, but I honestly don’t know if that is possible. 

My family and I have been shopping at Courage Foods for a decade, and at one point lived above the store.  Karen always remembered my dietary restrictions and showed me the new products to try.  My son would always get a snack for lunch and she was so kind to us.  She would often take time to chat even though we knew she was so busy.  The food and family atmosphere she built is so special (and best pumpkin pies ever!!!)  She will be so very missed.  We are so sorry for your loss.  Karen, Grant and Kenzie MacEachern 

I don't think I can ever remember departing Karen's company without everyone receiving a big warm hug and that incredible smile...we'll miss those hugs. Brenda and I will miss our visits with  her whenever we are in Toronto. 

OBITUARY

Karen Elizabeth Fullerton-O'Brien

June 3, 1956 – July 7, 2022

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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