We Remember

ANDERSON, Karen

—

Karen passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2015. Karen was the glue that held so many friends and family together. She was a superb hostess; nothing flustered her, especially when the party was at her house (remember those post-baseball parties around the pool in North Van and all those family Christmases).

A creative businesswoman with a flair for fashion, she started Second Suit Clothing in 1978 with a bunch of Hawaiian shirts from friends and built it into one of the most successful consignment clothing stores in Vancouver. Karen worked as a fashion model in her earlier years, appearing in print and TV ads and a few movies.

She had a brilliant eye for both garden design and floral arrangements. In 1997 the family moved to a small farm in Oyama where she grew flowers. Karen was a vendor at the Kelowna Farmer’s Market for many years and was a master gardener who loved to share her expertise with others.

Despite being very fashion forward and always looking gorgeous, she was the original hippie; she kept chickens, ducks, horses, cats and dogs, spun her own wool and wove it into fabric, made her own jams, jellies and condiments. Karen was a great travel companion, open to trying anything from opera in a church in Puccini’s home town in Italy to hiking the hills of Devon, England.

Karen has left behind parents Connie and Elton Anderson, daughters Jaime and Jessica Skinner (Jackson), sisters Kathy (Jim) Lye, Janet Anderson (Douglas MacLeod), Nancy Anderson, Sue Anderson (Jason), nieces Amy Boudreau (Graham Trimble), Heather and Joey Lye, and nephews Dylan Joyce and Jack MacLeod.

Karen is predeceased by her beloved husband Malcolm Skinner (2006) and her loving partner George Tidball (2014).

Karen was a beautiful woman inside and out, loyal, calm, brave, principled, she made everyone better through knowing her. She will always be missed.

Flowers are welcome at the house until April 6; Karen’s charity of choice was the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

A gathering for friends and family will be at Lindon House in Kelowna on April 16, 1 – 4 p.m. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.

 

Service
April 16, 1 – 4 p.m

Location
Lindon House

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for ANDERSON, Karen is scheduled for April 16, 1 – 4 p.m. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Lindon House

Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Dave & Lori Arkell says:
    March 27, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    Dave and I just saw Karen’s obit and were stunned to hear that she has passed away. Jaime and Jessica, we are SO SO saddened for your loss. Although we never got to know any of you really well, we knew the love that you had in your family. Your Mom was a wonderful lady and we always enjoyed our chats as she walked by our home with your crazy, beautiful black lab. Please accept our sincere condolences. Dave & Lori Arkell

    Reply
  • Caroline hill says:
    March 28, 2015 at 11:55 am

    I first met Karen when she enrolled as a student is the Master Gardener course. I was immediately struck by her warmth and inner (and outer) beauty. Her knowledge of plants and her willingness to share it was important to her. Even up to just recently when her health began to decline. We would often get together when she wasn’t off somewhere with George. In all her struggles these last few years she was amazingly strong and positive. This world has lost a beautiful woman However she has given all of us the gift of wonderful memories

    Reply
  • Lidia Vieira says:
    March 29, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    I remember large black and white portraits of beautiful sisters on a wall in a childhood Toronto home. I only had a glimpse of her life, but I understand a family’s sorrow at such a time and the love of the outdoors Karen enjoyed. Remembering you all at this time and as I walk forest trails.

    Reply
  • Susan and John says:
    March 29, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    sorry to hear the loss of your sister.
    our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    take care

    Susan and John

    Reply
  • Paula Diakiw says:
    March 29, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    Connie and Elton, Jessica and Jaime, Sisters and all of the rest of you-
    My tears sting at my eyes as I think of the treasure you have lost. That we have all lost. Karen made everyone feel as if they were so lucky to know her. It is hard to imagine a world without her impish laugh, wry smile, and kind eyes. But of course you all know that. You all either taught her love, or learned it from her. Keep her in you and shine her out through your smiles. Let the world see her love shine through you. We need to feel she is still among us. Surely she will guide us in the gardens and party arrangements of our lives. And during a full moon, look up at that giant orb. My family feels it is a window to our loved ones who are in another realm. You can speak freely to her each full moon, and perhaps she will speak back. Gentle hugs to you all in your grief.

    Reply
  • Annie Stevens says:
    March 30, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    Jaime and Jessica, it is with great sadness that I heard of Karen’s passing. Your Mom and Dad always had the door open on Dempsey after our ‘brilliant’ baseball games.Those parties would go on forever. Your Mom was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be deeply missed.
    Annie

    Reply
    • Ruth Walters says:
      October 2, 2015 at 10:03 pm

      I only learned today of the passing of my old friend Karen. I was supposed to come to Kelowna in January /15 but due to a horrific snowstorm had to cancel and told her I’d catch up in the summer with her. I’m sad this will not happen now. I will miss you forever my dear friend. Ruth

      Reply
  • Jim & Janan Tidball says:
    March 31, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Please accept our sincere Condolences to all the members of Karen’s family. We were fond of Karen from the first time we met her, with George. We know how much she ment to Geroge and the happiness they shared together. Sincerely, Jim & Janan Tidball

    Reply
  • Joy Oxenham says:
    April 1, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    My Dear Elton & Connie,
    I only knew Karen through you at Sandalwood but it was a pleasure to meet her during her many visits. May God comfort you and sustain you during this time. She will be truly missed by family and friends. Love, Joy Oxenham

    Reply
  • B.I. and Shirley Davis says:
    May 4, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    The tribute is beautifully put together and what is recorded is exactly the way Karen was.

    B.I. and I remember so well the wonderful party she and Malcolm hosted for Jessica’s christening. Beautiful day, gorgeous baby and lots of terrific food and yes wine! Jaime arrived in May 1988 and another big celebration to welcome her into their loving family. We had such a great time together. Meeting Karen’s parents Elton and Connie and becoming good friends with them was an added joy. They were both such wonderful hosts. Such wonderful memories

    Karen’s friendship will never be forgotten; it is something we will always cherish.

    B.I. & Shirley Davis

    Reply

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