Karen Evelyn Smith
Posted Sep 10, 2025 | 4:45 PM
Karen Evelyn Smith (Welland) was called home to heaven, by her mother, Helen, her father, Wilf and her brother, Don (Diane Nicholson). She is well loved by her husband, Art, her daughters Cynthia and Julie (Ed Farnsworth),and her grandchildren, Emily (Josh Penny), Andrew, and Olivia. Karen was quietly proud of her daughters and grandchildren and their accomplishments. Her passing leaves an unfillable hole in their lives. She will be missed beyond imagine.
A graduate of the Nursing Program (1965) at Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Karen began her career as a Pediatric Nurse and completed her Nursing career as Director of Nursing at Grey Owen Lodge, Markdale and Rockwood Terrace, Durham. Along her career path, Karen gathered wonderful colleagues into her circle who became lifelong friends. Karen was fiercely loyal to her community, giving of her time to Annesley United Church and to the Southeast Grey Community Health Centre.
Gramma Karen selflessly and lovingly helped raise her three grandchildren, giving up her free time to live part time in London during the school year and taking them to Sauble Beach to enjoy camping throughout the summer. Having a significant impact on all her grandchildren’s lives, Karen’s eldest granddaughter followed her grandmother into nursing.
Karen leaves behind her many wonderful friends, who cherished her loyal friendship. Maintaining deep, meaningful relationships for more than 50 years, Mom relished her time with her “besties” Connie, Norma, Gail, Joan, Helene, Annie, Junia, Penny, Linda, Sharon and Margot.
Karen and her family wish to thank all members of “Team Karen”: Dr. Susan Batten, for her profound expertise, her compassion and her calming spirit, VON Nurse Candace McKittrick for her kindness and gentle nurturing, Auntie Pen for her warm humour and loving support, Nurse Practioner April McAllister, for her unfailing medical care and friendship and Rebecca and Stacey, Mom’s care coordinators at Ontario Health At Home, who supported our family with compassion and urgency. Each of these individuals provided extraordinary support to Karen and our family.
Our family requests that memorial donations be made to the Community Foundation of Grey Bruce: Dr. Hilli Huff Education Fund, the Community Foundation of Grey Bruce: Karen E. Smith Education Endowment Fund or the Markdale Recreation Committee: Splash Pad (by cheque or etransfer to markdalesplashpad@gmail.com).
Visitation will be held at Annesley United Church on Saturday, September 13th at 11am , Funeral Serivce at Noon, followed by an Afternoon Tea. Please honour Karen by wearing one of her two favourite colours: Pink or Blue. Online condolences and donations available at www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca
- First Name : Karen
- Last Name : Smith
- Funeral Home : Fawcett Funeral Home, Flesherton
- URL : https://www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/Karen-Evelyn-Smith?obId=45105191
