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 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
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
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.
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
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)
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.