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
46 Responses
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
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
Our deepest sympathy to the Richardson family on this untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Our deepest condolences to Karen’s family. A new star shines bright in the sky tonight.
Our very deepest sympathy to all of the family and especially from David to Taylor, Fraser, Andrew, and Tannis