Holliston, Karen Loretta (nee Johnson) Passed away gently in the CVU at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria BC on February 17, 2011.
Born December 23, 1956 in Victoria, Karen was the beloved youngest daughter of the (late) Bernard and Jacqueline Johnson. In addition to her mother, Karen is survived by her husband Allen of 22 years, sisters Lorraine Ruddick (Barry), Kathy Booth (Ian), brothers Bruce Johnson (Janice), Duncan Johnson (Janet), nephews Chris, Jason, Stephen, Michael, David, Matthew and Adam, nieces Colleen, Kathryn and Taylor, great-niece Esmee, as well as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws.
Karen faced several health challenges with grace, humility and determination, always thinking of others before herself. She enjoyed her years with the CNIB, Coast Guard and Veterans Affairs, until declining health forced an early retirement. Karen was a deeply loved daughter, wife, sister, aunt and friend, and will always be in our hearts.
Many thanks to the staff at RJH for their care of Karen in her final days. Flowers gratefully declined; please consider donations to the Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, CNIB, or a charity of one’s choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Street at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 with a reception to follow. Stories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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Laurel Johnson
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Barry Ruddick Dear Al, Jacquie, Kathy, Duncan and Bruce,
We’ll miss Karen’s gentle strength. Wish we could be there today.
Love,
Barry, Chris, Jason, and Stephen
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Carol, Alice, John,Elda Donnelly & Glenn & Scott Courtney Karen was a loving and gentle woman and a dear niece and cousin.
We will miss seeing her smiling face at family get-togethers and other occasions. We all loved and admired Karen for her courage, her kindness and her thoughtfulness. She faced difficult situations in her life with grace and dignity and was an inspiration to other family members when they had to deal with life’s challenges.Our love and sympathy go out to Al, Jackie, Cathy & family, Duncan & family, Lorraine & family and to all relatives and friends
who loved Karen.Alice, Carol, John, Elda Donnelly, and Glenn & Scott Courtney
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John and Margaret Lee A very gentle and lovely woman was who we have met during our years of catering to Esquimalt Lions Club. Karen always sat there quietly but extended her warm smiles to those whom she was talking to. May her gentle soul rest in peace in Heaven.
We know it will be very hard for you to carry on, Al. We pray you will find the courage to go on knowing Karen didn’t need to suffer any more. Take good care of yourself and see you around in town.
John and Margaret
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Doris Belusic Dear Al and family,
Our condolensces are with you all at this sad time. May the many wonderful memories of Karen help comfort you.
Some of our memories:
We remember Karen as a gentle and very nice person with a lovely laugh. I met Karen when she was receptionist at the CNIB and I remember the day she was asked out by Al. She literally bounced around the office in joy. We enjoyed dinners with Karen and Al in their dating days and attended their wedding. Karen borrowed my wedding dress train holder ring for the wedding. We also enjoyed ballroom dance classes at the CNIB together with Karen and Al.Two years ago when we held my Dad’s Celebration of Life, Al and Karen attended, after driving all the way from the middle of the mainland, which was so kind.
We are so sorry that Karen’s health declined so rapidly. I know she will be sorely missed.
Al, you know we are there for you.
Doris and Oriano Belusic
Al and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Karen was a sweet and lovely person.
Karen had a great capacity for joy and a wonderful sense of humour.
She touched the heart of everyone she met and will be missed by many people.
My sincerest condolences on your loss.