KAREN ELIZABETH JACKSON
After a long, hard-fought battle, Karen Elizabeth Jackson, 63, of 808 Wright Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away with her family by her side at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008.
Karen was born Aug. 6, 1944 in Barwick, Ont. to George and Elaine Black. Karen spent her youth between Sarnia and Barwick, eventually settling in Fort Frances in 1963.
In earlier years, she worked at the mill office as a secretary, as a dental assistant, a nurse at La Verendrye General Hospital and Rainycrest, and for many years at one of her favourite places, the library.
Karen was a lifelong member of the Knox United Church, involved in the choir, Bible study, and co-ordinated the kids’ summer camp at Sunny Cove. She also was a long-time member of T.O.P.S., having been involved in various roles within the group.
She also had many interests, including reading, cross-stitching, and crocheting. Karen spent many years looking after her mother, and very much loved spending her summers at the family cabin at Caliper Lake.
One of her biggest lifetime passions was curling. She was a life member of the Fort Frances Curling Club, past president of the Ladies’ Curling Club, as well as a long-time high school and junior curling coach.
She was the boys’ biggest curling fan—never missing a game and travelling many miles to cheer them on. There is an empty chair behind the glass where she always used to sit and we always will be looking there for her smile.
She was predeceased by her parents; and one sister, Gail Vicklin of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Karen is survived by three sons, Lorne and wife, Kathie, of Fort Frances, Ont., Dale and wife, Lianne, of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Derek and wife, Shannon, of Fort Frances, Ont.; six grandchildren, Danielle, Sara, Kaitlyn, Emma, Davis, and Jace; one sister, Terry Drever of Corunna, Ont.; and one aunt, Shirley, and husband, Don Shanks, of Niagara Falls, Ont.
Cremation has taken place in International Falls, Mn.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be Karen’s family and friends.
Interment will take place in Chapple Cemetery in Barwick, Ont. at a later date.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Suite 102, 79 North Court St., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7A 4T8, the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or the Fort Frances Curling Club, 300 Eighth St., E., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M5, or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be left at www.mem.com
foto
