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
Sincere sympathy in the passing of your daughter Karen. Her smiling face radiates love and caring.
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
Marion and I would like to express our sympathy over Karen’s passing.She was always a delight to relate to.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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