I can’t remember a time when I did not know Karen, ( plus Andy, Debra and Tammy). Growing up, my brother Derek and I often referred to their family as our Quartet family…we had a Quartet Christmas, and regular get together’s. I can still remember their house in the beaches in Toronto…I can still hear their German Shepherds “She” and “ Cleo” bark as I walked down by the side of the house, and I have so many memories of Tammy and I playing in the basement, listening to Karen teaching piano students in the living room above us. The memory of that house, and Karen will always be so strong.

Fast forward, oh, 30 years or so, and I found myself living in Vancouver just a few blocks away from Karen and Andy. I was lucky enough to visit them at their lovely house in Kits….enjoying Karen’s delicious home made bread and sharing wine as adults. I felt as comfortable in her house as an adult, as I did as a child. She still felt like family and I will always remember her that way. Karen was my mom’s best friend, and I was always so happy for my mom that she had such a great friend. Someone who could remember all the details of their 50 plus years friendship. That is a rare and wonderful thing. Just last January, we celebrated my mom’s 75th and Karen and Andy happily made the journey to Galiano Island to celebrate with us in person. For that memory, I will always be grateful.

Karen was a warm, unique, dynamic person and artist who loved animals, life and everything it offered deeply. My heart is broken for Andy, Debra and Tammy and I know there are no words that can make this better. But I hope knowing that Karen will live on in the memories of everyone who knew her can offer some comfort.

My deepest sympathy.