We Remember
ANSELL, Karen Anne
November 27, 1960 — October 18, 2013
Karen Ansell passed away on October 18, 2013 at the age of 52 after a brief but courageous struggle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband, Tim Ansell; daughter Hillary Ansell of Kelowna; son Geoffrey Ansell of Kelowna; brother Peter (Sandra) Goodall of Summerland; sisters Janet Goodall and Wendy Goodall, both of Vernon; and her mother, Beryl Goodall of Vernon. She is sadly predeceased by her father, Geoffrey Goodall. Karen was the kind of woman who left an impression on all those who met her. Her smile was dazzling, her laugh was infectious and,“Oh, that naturally curly hair!” If you needed someone to landscape your garden, choose the perfect paint colour or purge your walk-in closet she was the woman for the job. In her younger years Karen took full advantage of all life had to offer in the Okanagan. As a teenager she swam, sailed, and canoed and when she wasn’t on the water she was horseback riding or skiing. In her later years Karen even took up motorcycle riding, going on Harley adventures with her husband, Tim and their friends. Professionally, Karen chose to pursue a career in nursing. During this time she earned a reputation amongst her coworkers as a caregiver of great skill and deep compassion. Married in 1991 to Tim Ansell, Karen settled in Kelowna and turned her energies towards raising a family and pursuing her many interests including gardening, home decorating and crafts, just to name a few. Karen had an uncanny gift for being able to spot a good buy in any second hand store she entered. Many of those close to her became the happy beneficiaries of her thrift store finds.
We, her family and friends, are beyond heartbroken by the loss of this generous, energetic and complex woman. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We would like to thank the dedicated nurses and doctors of KGH, the Cancer Clinic and Kelowna Hospice for the care and support they gave Karen and the family. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, with Rev. Penny Denner and Rev. Gary Swabey officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, 601 – 2221 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4S 2B4, or Central Okanagan Hospice Association, 1456 St. Paul St., Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E6.
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
Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Cystic Fibrosis Canada, 601 - 2221 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4S 2B4, or Central Okanagan Hospice Association, 1456 St. Paul St., Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E6.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for ANSELL, Karen Anne is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Tim,
My deepest condolences to you and the family. You have a beautiful angel watching over you…Theresa Mucci-Rodgers (Fort St John)
thank you
Thank you for such a Beautiful Memoir. A beautiful Lady in & out. She always had a way of warming my heart. I have so many fond memories of her. I will truly miss you Karen. All our Love Lois & Bruce & family
thank you lois , you are one of my most inspirational friends
I got to know Karen when she would come over to Bylands Nursery. I always looked forward to our visits. she had this magnetic personality that you just became drawn to. we had some great conversations and shared many laughs! I consider myself lucky for the chance of meeting this lovely lady. so sorry for this great loss.
Jodi Evans
thanks Jodi, Karen was fond of you to
Tim, Geoff & Hillary
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. It is hard to believe that that vivacious, kind hearted woman is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Condolences from the Ulveland family.
thank you Carmen, Karen always enjoyed your company
Tim, Geoff & Hilly
Karen was awonderful person. So sorry for your loss, my sincerest sympathies..
Wayne Nadasde
Thanks Wayne, We will always remember the years around the beach with you and the kids
Tim,Geoff,Hillary, I worked with Karen at KGH, her beautiful smile, and laugh were contagious!! We had many good times on our night shifts when I would help her cut out patterns for her talent in sewing! I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you! Marian McKay
thanks for thinking of us Tim and family
What beautiful words to honour this amazing woman. So very very true. Please know we are sharing tears with you on such a tremendous loss. May the love you shared hold you. Chriss, Davy, Davis, Cory, Jonah & Arie Janko. (Kelowna Waldorf School friends)
Karen was an amazing woman, thank you for the words
Tim and family
I was in total shock when I read this today!!! My heart goes out to you, Hilliary & Geoff !!! We both know how yours, Karen’s and mine lives became connected under similar circumstances. I was totally unaware re- Karen’s illness. She touched so many lives and her memory will remain ageless because of with her radiant, loving personality!!
My Heartfelt Sympathy
Darlene
(Roger)
thank you, she was a wonderful wife and mother
Tim, Hillary and Geoff, You are in our thoughts during this difficult time, such a loss, my heartaches.I will always remember Karen with her big beautiful smile and always a sparkle in her eye.Our aquasize sessions in the pool and get togethers in a house that she made a home filled with so much love and comfort, she is going to be missed by many of us.With loving memories of Karen. Diana Kendal and Family
wonderful picture , looking like you gals were up to no good , thanks Diana, you know were our place is any time.
Karen was a beautiful person;inside and out. When I heard she passed away, it was like someone kicked me in the stomach. She had so much to live for and she was a class act. Tim, Geoff and Hillary, my deepest condolences.
Hi Noris, thanks for thinking of us Hillary says hi
Tim and family..She was a Bonnie Lass from the inside out! I never met a more lovely person and she leaves us all better for having known her. Gone far too soon..We wish you and your family Peace….
The neighbours…#537
thanks so much Jim and Julie
Tim,
my thoughts are with you, Hillary,Geoff & family at this difficult time. I will always remember Karen as a beautiful lady with a angel smile,her many talents and beautiful curls. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and family.
We have many fond memories of you . thanks signed Tim and family
I remember Karen well, from our Anne McClymont days, as a loving mother to Geoff and Hillary. I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing and extend wishes of heartfelt sympathy to the Ansell/Goodall family.
With kindest regards,
Sandra Sellick
thank you Sandra
Tim,
My sincere condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Warmest regards,
Kevin Wall
appreciate your thoughts
To Karen’s family… Sorry to hear Karen passed away from cancer. I only met her in 1976 when a young boy but I’ve kept in-touch with Wendy and Aunt Beryl over the years, so feel we were connected somehow. My father died too of cancer when I was 12 and I also had cancer and thankfully recovered. So I kinda understand its not been or going to be easy. Karen sounded a great person, so focus on all the amazing things she did for you all. regards Ax
family was everything to Karen, thank you for remembering
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
thank you for your kind thoughts and words
Karen was well-loved in life, and all who knew her will cherish happy memories of time spent with her. Tim, Geoff, and Hillary, you have my deepest sympathy and loving thoughts as you progress through the grieving process. Blessings.
Kate you have been a great family friend as long as I can remember, thank you
Tim
I was shocked to read of Karen’s passing in the newspaper this morning. You and I connected in the grocery store recently – it was great to see you. I am so sorry for your loss and send along my sincerest sympathies to you and your family.
Regards Nettie Engbrecht
thanks Nettie, im sure Her and Wally are now watching over both of us
Tim, Geoff & Hillary,
I was so very sad to hear the news. I did not know Karen well as I had only met her once. However, my impressions of her, were that she was a very caring mother and wife. My heartfelt thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
thanks s
Shirely, you have been a wonderful friend over the years
Tim, Geoff & Hillary we are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Karen as a friendly, fun loving & caring person. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Kevin & Lori Fennessy & Family
although our paths rarely cross I know Karen thought of you and Kevin often.
Tim, Geoff and Hillary
I cannot even begin to express how Karen’s passing has impacted me, and how difficult it must be for you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your extended family and friends during this difficult time. Karen was such an amazing, kind person. What a loss!
Again, my deepest sympathies on the passing of Karen.
Thank you Hillary, we miss her so much , its crushing
We are at a loss for words to capture just how sorry we are to hear about the loss of such an incredible woman so filled with energy, compassion and brilliance in every way. We only had the pleasure of doing one amazing motorcycle adventure together but she indeed left a grand impression.I can invision that grand smile and those curly locks blowing in the wind as she so proudly drove off in her new convertible. Forever young! Hold each other tight and be sure to reach out for a hand to hold every time you need it. Our deepest sympathies to you Tim and your children and family.Affectionately Ed and Joanne
thanks Ed, we”ve had a lot of laughs together
Dear Tim,We shared this sad journey with you.You lost your beloved Karen and Terry and I lost my beloved mom Marie on the same day.Our thoughts are with you.Linda Van Den Elzen and Terry Thomson.
Linda and Terry , we go a way backand have experienced the same journey with both Lindas mom and my Karen. god bless us all
Dear Tim, Geoff and Hillary,
Life doesn’t seem to do what we expect… your Mom was a beauty…and loved you all very very much…it deeply saddens me that she is gone. Take good care
Karen often reminisced , about life next to you and margret and Eric
I have a few of those thrift store finds and they seem to carry a drop of the beauty and light of Karen’s essence. Karen often picked up a hose at my house, trying to gently teach me how to care for my garden.She opened her house to my daughter when I needed after-school care, she met and befriended my neighbours before I met and befriended them. Karen seemed to embrace everyone she met with an openness and warmth that made them feel they belonged. Sending love to Karen’s family and friends
Kristin , you helped to fill a small void in Karens life , when it came to friendship and music , for that I am forever grateful
Such touching tributes to a fine, spirited and loving wife and mother! Bless you, Karen. Sympathies to Tim, Geoff and Hilary, your family and friends. Doug and Corry Hunter, Vancouver
thanks Cory
Dear family,On behalf of us@ the Kelowna Waldorf School, we are very saddened to hear this news. Karen was light, and brought such enthusiasm and laughter, as she volunteered with us here. Our time with her was short@ the school, once you met her you were in her heart.
We all remember her with such love.Our Hearts are with you during this sad time. Patricia Laverty-Rolf
thank you for the kind words
To Beryl and Wendy
So very sorry to learn about your loss. I send my best wishes to you during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Katherine Upton
I worked with Karen at the hospital – she was a wonderful, caring and compassionate nurse. I enjoyed talking with her -she loved her family. So sorry for your loss – thinking of you all.
thank you for your kind thoughts
Dear Tim and Family,
Karen will be sadly missed. We did not get a lot of time to spend with her but we are so blessed to get to know her. Our sympathies are with you all.
Love, Art & Jody Hayes
thanks Arty, we had lots of laughs together
Tim and Family
My sincere condolences to you and your family. our hearts and thoughts are with all of you.
Gordie
thank you for your kind thoughts, Tim and family
Geoff and family,
So sorry for you loss, Karen was a very special lady whom I was so lucky to have met. Our thoughts are with you and you family. With love.
geoff really appreciates your kind thoughts
Dear Geoff and family,
So sorry for you sad loss, Karen was a lovely lady whom I was so lucky to met. Our thoughts are with you all. With love.
Tim, Geoff, Hillary, and Karen’s family-we are so saddened to hear of Karen’s passing-your memoir brought back so many happy memories-from preschool and decorating bikes, to thrift store shopping and making crafts,birthday parties, and sharing recipes and gardening tips-she will be missed. Cherish all the wonderful memories!You are in our thoughts.
thanks so much for the kind words
Tim & Family, My condolences for your loss. I worked with Karen on Rehab @ KGH – she was a beautiful, delightful, and very caring individual. I have very fond memories of my time with her – she will be missed by many.
Love & Healing Energy to you all…
Denise.
thanks for your words. I can remember speaking of you from her nursing days
So sorry for loss Tim. My condolences to you and your family.
thank you Randy its nice to here from someone from the old neighbour hood
Tim, Hillary and Geoffery,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your dear wife and mother. While we haven’t Been in touch as much as we should over the past several years, we have many fond memories of times spent together visiting, skiing, camping and enjoying your famous Maui ribs.
We are so blessed to have known this very special lady and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Bob, Scout and Piper.
Bob, although our lives have drifted apart, my family will always cherish the times shared with yours. Karen always thought very highly of you and always enjoyed to have your company over the years. signed Tim and Family
It was with a heavy heart, that I read of the passing of Karen. Although I didn’t know her well, you could see the beautiful on the inside, as it radiated through the beauty on the outside. I know how tough this time is for all of you, maybe the silver lining In this cloud is that your hearts make you feel things so deeply, these are the same strong and wonderful hearts that will lead you in your journey to healing. If there is one thing that I am sure of, it’s that you will all see your way through, and the love of your friends and family will always walk beside you. You are all in my hearts, prayers and thoughts……
libby, my heart is broken, time is the only tool what will num this pain
Tim,
I am so sorry for your loss. I send my deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family at this time.
Mike Dukelow
thanks Mike ,its been a long road
Tim and family
I worked with Karen on the Rehab Unit at KGH and she is exactly as described however words don’t do her justice. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and I know that there will be a special place in heaven for her. She will remain forever in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this journey…xoxo Erika OReilly
thank you Erika, she’s in a much better place now, of that i’m sure
We are very sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Les Auch and Sherry Delmar
thank you,
Dear Tim, Geoff, and Hillary,
Karen was so vibrant and full of joie de vivre just like her beautiful golden curls. Her sparkling eyes and hearty laugh hinted of her mischievous nature. It was infectious. Everything she did, she did well and with enthusiasm – her gardening, decorating, crafting, entertaining. She relished family and friends, trips on the Harley, BBQing and swimming in the back yard. All these memories are like golden honey. May you have drops of golden honey each day for the rest of your lives.
With love, Paul, Sheryl, Tanner and Brook Thiessen
Karen was a gift, and i was lucky to have shared her life,
Tim, Hillary, Geoff & family.
Yvonne and I are deeply sorry and sad for your loss. We will miss Karens laugh and warmth during your hikes and the dualing Harleys going by our front door. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
thanks Don
Tim and family,
Karen was a beautiful woman. Her spirit will never be gone, she will remain to inspire me to be kind to others just as she was throughout her battle. She was always happy to see people even when she wasn’t feeling great. Her smile was contagious. She will be missed. So sorry for you loss.
She will be the angel watching over all of us. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time,
Jennifer Spink (IV nurse)
words of kindness are extremely appreciated ,she was a great loss to my family as well the community, thanks Jen”you were great”
Tim letting you know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Lloyd and Wendy Auch
Tim and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief and loss. I know Karen is close to you as you try and find the strength to carry on. Best Regards
Rob and Family
words like that from you mean a lot Rob thank you , you have been and will continue to be a good friend
Tim, Geoff, and Hilary. My deepest condolences for your loss. I have very don memories of Karen, she was always so happy and kind hearted. She will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you all.
Lawrence
thanks lawrence , she thought you had become a fine young man,
Dear Tim, Geoff and Hillary,
I absolutely loved when Karen would come through the store to do her grocery shopping. She was so easy and care free to deal with. It didn’t take long for me to be able to say “hi Karen” like she was my friend instead of a customer. Her beautiful heart and joyful smile I will miss…I am thankful that so much of her can be seen in each one of you! Bless you and your family at this time.
thanks Pat, Karen was a kind soul, her memory will live on in the hearts of many that took the time to know her
Hi Tim,
It is with our deepest sympathies that we would like to extend our condolences to you. We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts, and we hope the coming weeks and years will be full of fond memories of your beautiful wife.
All the best to you and yours,
– Everyone at Finning
thank you all very much
Tim, Geoff and Hillary, Wes and I send love, hugs and heartfelt caring for the road you are on. Karen’s thousand watt personality will shine on the rest of your days, softening the ways life twists and turns. May her enduring love keep you warm and hopeful.
May you all be blessed with healing love.
Kelly and Wesley Hamilton
Dear Geoffrey, Tim and Hillary,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a bright, energetic, positive helper to our class. I will always remember her “can-do” attitude combined with a friendly, easy-going manner. My thoughts, prayers and good wishes go out to you.
Tim,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. She sounds like a beautiful soul.
Please accept our deepest condolences in your time of grief.
Dearest Family and Friends Of this Bright and Beautiful Lady, Karen…Our Hearts and Prayers are with You.
Rene Rome Donati and Daughters, Isabel and Claire
Wow – I was surfing the internet and came upon this. I’m stunned, and so very sorry to learn about the passing of Karen. It’s been at lease 15 years since I spent time with your family – but I will never forget what a wonderful family that you and Karen shared. I remember Karen as such a wonderful strong and fun person. Excellent gardener. I don’t know what else to say but I wish you and the kids all the best.
Tim we are very late in discovering this tragic event and trust you and your family are on the road to full healing. We have fond memories of you and all the others who touched our daily lives at school. All the best Don Rose and Ruth Humberstone.