September 5, 1956 – September 22, 2013
It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Karen Ann Richardson on a peaceful September Sunday at her home in Victoria, British Columbia. She leaves to cherish her memory, her parents, George and Tannis Richardson; her sons, Taylor, Fraser and Andrew (Kaitlyn) Somers; her daughter, Tannis Somers; her brothers, David (Pamela) and Hartley (Heather) Richardson; her aunts, Kathleen and Shirley; her dear friend, Bruce Homer; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends across the country. Karen was predeceased by her sister, Pamela and her grandparents, James and Muriel Richardson and Dr. Paul and Gladys Thorlakson. Karen was born in Winnipeg and attended Balmoral Hall School before she graduated from St. John’s Ravenscourt and studied nursing at the University of Manitoba. Childhood summers at Lake of the Woods, picnics at Bunkie and dancing with her brothers at the Yacht Club dance were some of her most cherished memories. Karen married Frank Somers in 1978 and they lived in Toronto briefly before relocating to Winnipeg where their four children were born. In 1995 the family moved to Victoria. Karen was a deeply caring person, and found her calling lending her time and energy to a vast number of charitable organizations, as well as serving on the Board of her children’s school, Glenlyon-Norfolk. Karen considered her family to be her greatest achievement. She was profoundly proud of her four children, and loved them deeply. Karen was recently joined in life by a wonderful friend, Bruce Homer. They enjoyed travelling, walking along the beach with their dog, Jaeger and watching the sailboats together from the Sunday morning steps. His love and companionship brought her much joy in the past years and her family is grateful for that gift.
A funeral service and celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Thursday, October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, British Columbia (Quadra Street at Rockland Avenue) with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada in memory of Karen. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
-
Lois Belluk
-
John Edwards I was shocked and saddened to learn of Karen’s sudden passing. I have nothing but fond memories of her as a high school classmate, SJR parent and friend. She was a very special person – energetic, outgoing, caring, kind and generous. She was also a wonderful mother who took enormous pride in her children – three of whom I had the pleasure to teach. Deepest sympathy to all the family, especially Taylor, Fraser, Andrew and Tannis.
John Edwards – SJR Class of ’74
-
Susan, Gerald, and Stephen Rosenby As former neighbors of Karen’s in Winnipeg we remember Karen’s warmth, her friendship and beautiful smile and most of all as a loving mother. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her entire family.
-
Harvey Thorau Taylor, Andrew, Fraser and Tannis,
My sincere condolences for your loss. One cannot describe the deep ache that we all feel at the loss of our mothers. You are dealing with your burden with great dignity and grace – the service was lovely.
You are in my thoughts.
Harvey Thorau
-
Tim Schaffter Oh so saddened to hear of her passing. Oh yes… such a super caring person. She was the most caring person at our school as I can recall from our SJR days. Nursing seemed like the perfect area of study for her and she spent her entire life serving others and her community. What a wonderful and inspirational example for her children and friends. I am sure she will take her many special virtues with her to the next world where they will shine even brighter. (Tim Schaffter, SJR class of 1974)
-
sonny srinaganand We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Karen.
A warm and beautiful person in every way, she was sincere very supportive, kind and generous always encouraging.
We have known Karen for a very short time a little less than 3 years.
She was one of our our first customers in our newly located restaurant. We were struck by her unassuming and friendly manner, she very much appreciated the service we provided. Over the years she became one of our most loyal customers, visiting our establishment on a regular basis, sometimes with Tannis for a quick meal. During that time we got to know her well, and she us often enquiring after our children, business and general well being.
We will always remember you Karen, for your beautiful smile laughter and your kind nature.
It has been a privilege to have known you.
-
Jacqueline Longstaffe Thinking of you with deep sadness Tannis, George, David and Hartley.
We pray for peace, strength and love to honour your magnificent daughter Karen’s life, and now
her sudden passing.
She remains in our hearts.
Jacqueline Longstaffe
Brandy Aubin (daughter)
-
Peter and Dana Jessiman To the entire Richardson family, please accept our sincerest condolences on the sudden passing of Karen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Peter & Dana Jessiman
-
judy lamont I offer my deepest sympathy to all the family on Karen’s untimely death. Like many others I remember her as a warm and thoughtful person.My prayers and thoughts are with you. Judy Lamont.
-
John and Lucy Duddy We offer our deepest sympathy to all of Karen’s relatives and close friends. We overlapped in the company of Daisy and Jimmy Sinclair in New York and on Martha’s Vineyard several times and came to love Karen’s company and sense of humor. We send you all our heartfelt condolences and hope that the knowledge she had so many friends and admirers, like us and everywhere, will bring you peace.
John and Lucy Duddy
-
Lorenz Sigurdson “Cattle die, kinsmen die,
all men are mortal.
Words of praise shall never perish,
nor a noble name.”
HavamalI came to SJR for Grade 12 only, and felt
the awkwardness of a newcomer. Almost forty years have
passed and my classmate Karen’s kind words
and welcoming nature remain with me as if yesterday.
Never perish indeed.
My deepest sympathies.
-
Ian and Liz Ferguson Please accept our heartfelt condolences over Karen’s passing. We are so saddened by your loss. We have known Karen for over 30 years and will always remember her as the most caring, very classy and wonderful person.
Our love and thoughts are with you.
-
Christopher Wall & Susie Crang Our hearts go out to the Richardson Family and particularly to Karen’s children. We are there for you Dave & Pam.
Chris & Susie
-
Simon Clews It is with profound sorrow that I learned of Karen’s passing. Karen was a good friend in our high school days, and I occasionally had the pleasure of seeing her in Victoria in recent years before I moved away. She was a wonderful person with a friendly, positive outlook and a strong social conscience. My sincere condolences to her family.
-
Edith MacDonald I was very sorry to read in the Globe and Mail of your daughter Karen Richardson’s death. I was an assistant at Maude Chapman’s when I first met her where she would come in to pick up her Mother’s dresses then wait for her Father to come and drive her home. Over the years I waited on her at Ports International and the Mirror Room. She was a real delight, always considerate and kind. It was a privilege and pleasure to look after her. Last time I waited on her she proudly showed me snaps of her babies. She will be remembered as a lovely person inside and out.
Sincerely Edith MacDonald
-
Tim Maloney It was with great sadness that I read of Karen’s passing. While our lives only crossed for a short time during my GNS days, Karen shared such warmth and kindness in all her actions. She made the world a better place by sharing her heart with those she touched and beyond with the philanthropic work she did. To the kids who are no longer kids and Bruce I will hold you in my prayers.
Wishing you many blessings, I remain, ever hopeful.
-
Mrs. George R. Wright (Isabelle) and families Sincere sympathy in the passing of your daughter Karen. Her smiling face radiates love and caring.
-
sydney kalef Please accept our sincere condolences on the much to early passing of Karen. Karen welcomed me when I moved from Calgary ten years ago. It was wonderful getting to know her as one of our neighbours.
Sincerely,
Sydney Kalef
-
David and Marion Fraser Marion and I would like to express our sympathy over Karen’s passing.She was always a delight to relate to.
-
Jane Sellers Anema Many tears will be shed, many stories will be shared and much will said about beautiful woman whose care and concern for others created a warm and enveloping embrace.Karen was a shining jewel and such brilliance can not be dimmed by death. Her spirit will live on in her greatest achievement, her family. Sincere sympathy on the passing of a remarkable mother and friend. JSA
-
Judy Treloar I was so sorry and sad to read that Karen has died, and my thoughts are with her children, Andrew, Fraser, Taylor and Tannis. I knew them all and they are wonderful people. Karen was so supportive of the theatre programme at GNS., and was always at the productions we put on! I am also sorry that Bruce lost a wonderful friend and companion. My love and thoughts are with you all.
-
Bernie Beare Dear Taylor, Fraser, Andrew and Tannis. I offer you my sincerest condolences on the loss of your wonderful mother. When you boys were students in the Lower School, your Mom would brighten my days with her warmth and bright smile. She would often drop by my office for a short visit and tell me humorous and charming “tales” about your shared lives at home. In this way, I learned how much she loved you all, and of how proud she was to be the mother of fine and vibrant children. Tannis, during that time you were too young to have become the author of similar stories. When I finally did get to meet you and know you a little after a visit in Victoria, I saw in your Mom all the love and happiness that you generated in her life and heart. All of us at SJR were encircled by her special warmth and friendship and infectious smile.
Please carry my sympathies to your Uncles Hartley and David and to all your dear extended family.
-
Julian Savory I was shocked and so saddened to hear the news of Karen’s passing. I will always remember her warm smile, positive disposition and shared memories from our time together at SJR.
All the best of wishes to the family through this most difficult of times.
Best wishes,
Julian
SJR Class of ’74
-
thea nation To the entire Richardson family , I offer my condolences on the death of your most lovely and precious daughter Karen. I think I met her once or twice through Bruce so it is to him I send my thoughts and love. Could you pass on my sentiments and tell him that the Nation siblings hold him in their hearts. thea
-
Bob Armstrong Bev and I send our heartfelt feelings to Taylor, Fraser, Andrew and Tannis at the loss of a mother who loved them so dearly and to Bruce, who brought true joy and love to her in a wonderful partnership. Karen was a deeply caring person who sincerely made others feel important and special. Her wonderful sense of fun and humour endeared her to others.
-
Gillian Tucker My profoundest sympathy with you all, Taylor, Fraser, Andrew, Tannis and Bruce in the loss of a wonderful woman — one of the most caring people I’ve ever known and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was lovely both inwardly and outwardly, and knowing her left an indelible impression on me.
With love, and enormous sorrow,
Gillian
-
Beverly McCaffrey Jack and I are deeply saddened to learn of your loss and want to extend our sympathy at this difficult time. Remembering the loving times you had with Karen and your recounting of the immense joy that she brought to your lives will resonate with everyone who knew her. Sincerely, Beverly and Jack McJannet.
-
Sandra "Sam"Melnyk I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Karen’s passing. I knew her as one of my very favourite parents who would always grace me with her presence at SJR’s infirmary to thank me for caring for one of her sons. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. She was always at the school volunteering and spreading joy with all of the staff she encountered. We all admired her wonderful caring spirit. My heart goes out to her family with deepest sympathy.
SJR School Nurse, 1985-2003
-
Colin Gardiner I had the great pleasure of running into Karen a month and a half ago at Butchart Gardens, and can honestly say I knew of no one who was more full of life and joy. What a treat it was to see her, on every occasion, as she spread happiness and sunshine on a truly grand scale. This unbelievable news is a humongous blow to our community, and I send my deepest condolences to her family and close friends. While this is an incalculable loss, Karen’s vivacious smile and generous spirit will undoubtedly linger and warm us forever.
-
Brenda Craig My thoughts are with all of you. I was stunned to see Karen’s photo in the Globe this morning. My mind was flooded with so many memories of a young Karen. That smile! I am so sorry that you have all lost a treasured, loving member of your family so suddenly.
-
Carolyn Berthelet Karen was one of the loveliest people I have ever known, and I cannot even begin to imagine the extent of your grief. Although at the beginning I only knew her as a parent of wonderful boys whom I had the pleasure of teaching at SJR, in later years I considered her a friend. Each time we met up, the joy I felt in her presence was immeasurable. Taylor, Fraser, Andrew and Tannis, your Mom lit up every time she talked to me about you. She loved you so much, and was so proud of you. To the four of you, and everyone in the Richardson family, please accept my most heartfelt sympathy. We will all cherish her memory forever. Know that you are in my prayers.
-
Marius Felix My deepest condolences to the entire family, and in particular to Bruce, a wonderful man who is in my thoughts at a difficult time. My family will be think of you.
Marius
-
Janet Stobie Dear Tannis, I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I fondly remember my conversations with her at GNS when you were a student there. I appreciated her kindness and positive energy. Janet Stobie
-
Melanie Mahlman (formerly McKenzie) There are people who just make the world a better place and Karen was one of them. She gave me hope and raised my spirits at a challenging time. She demonstrated grace and kindness and true friendship. I am a better person for knowing Karen and my heart aches for your loss.
-
Laurie Allen Dear Tannis and family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Hopefully, your happy family memories will sustain you at this extremely sad time.
Laurie Allen
-
Fasahat Beg Really sad to hear of the passing of my classmate and friend Karen – my heartfelt condolences to all her family – May she rest in peace.
— Fasahat Beg – SJR Class of ’74, Dubai, UAE
-
Peter Milliner I knew Karen and her family for many years, and to say I was very sad to hear that Karen had passed away was not even close to how I felt. I was always treated with the utmost respect by all her family. Her family was the most important part of her life to her, and she will be always missed by her children and her family. Just thinking about her brings me to tears. Her mother and father will probably remember me. If not that is alright as I will always remember her, with admiration and affection. To all her family I am deeply sorry. My sincerest condolences, Peter
-
Barbara Kuryluk (Sochasky) Mrs. Tannis Richardson,
Dear Mrs. Richardson, I’m so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. My heart is with you. I will always remember the first time I saw her when you brought her down stairs for us to see. She was the first baby that I had ever seen up close. She was so beautiful and she had a big smile. I remember going home and asking my mother (Rose) if we could have one just like her. I was eight years old and my mother just gave me the strangest look. Karen was the most beautiful baby that I had ever seen!
My heart and soul are with you.. God bless you and your family.
Deepest regards,
Barbara (Sochasky) Kuryluk
-
Joanne & John Hill Our deepest sympathy to the Richardson family on this untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
-
Rod Lindquist I was so sorry and shocked to hear of Karen’s passing. I knew her at SJR as a student and a parent. What an awesome person she was.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
I fondly remember all the boys and how she lit up whenever she was with them.
Take care.
Sincerely
Rod Lindquist
SJR teacher and coach 1971 – 2009
-
Tari Jones I am so shocked and saddened to learn of Karen’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to Hartley, David and the entire Richardson family. Karen was such a beautiful person and will be missed by everyone who was fortunate to have known her.
-
Marni McLaughlin So very ,very sad to hear of Karen’s sudden passing …Far too young!! My thoughts and prayers go out to ALL of you in your great loss…I have such fond childhood memories of her from the lake …My deepest condolences..Marni McLaughlin ,Toronto
-
Sabine and Roger Coulson We are shattered by the news of Karen’s passing . Karen was a remarkable woman with whom we have shared many happy times and great friendship over the last 40 years. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the whole family. From the Coulsons of Australia.
-
Alanna and Stuart Holroyd I have wonderful memories of Karen during the high school years of the kids. She opened her house to our son and treated him as one of her own. When my father was diagnosed with cancer she helped with words of kindness and concern, quietly and without fan fair. We have had the pleasure of knowing the twins since they were young teens and they too, like their mom, are genuine, gracious and kind hearted. As are all of her children which she fiercely protected and loved beyond words. I also enjoyed her updates on how many air miles she could collect from Safeway on the many buggies of food she bought for her family! Hugs and love and deepest sympathy to all of Karen’s family, Alanna
-
Vince and Sandy Loptson Our deepest condolences to Karen’s family. A new star shines bright in the sky tonight.
-
Kathy and David Connor Our very deepest sympathy to all of the family and especially from David to Taylor, Fraser, Andrew, and Tannis
I was so saddened to read of Karen’s untimely passing just now in the SJR newsletter. I’ve always remembered her kindness to me as a younger student and her constant smile from my days at SJR.
My very deep and sincere condolences,
Lois Belluk
SJR Class of ’76