We Remember

FORBES, Karen

September 13, 1948 — March 17, 2023

At age 74, Karen Forbes passed away peacefully, while surrounded by family, on March 17, 2023.  She will be deeply missed by her husband of 23 years, Tony Forbes; her children Stacey Shelby; Janyce Forbes; and Jessa (Cory) Ortynski; grandchildren Paris Ortynski, Carly Ortynski, and Asher Kaminski; as well as by her siblings Kevon Carmichael, Darrell (Lorraine) Carmichael, Diane Mickalishen, and Wendy Whittacker; nephews Darcy Whittacker, Ryan Whittacker, Tomas Mickalishen, and Erin Mickalishen. Family that went before Karen: her parents Ken and Margaret Carmichael; brothers-in-law Rick Whittacker and Ed Mickalishen; and her brother Wesley Carmichael.

Karen moved to the Okanagan in 1976, and she enjoyed 29 years on the west side. She and Tony were winter snowbirds in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico for six years.

Karen was creative, joyful, and kind. A worldly traveller, she loved planning their family trips as much as she enjoyed being on them. When in the sun, she was the sunscreen advocate to the entire family. She enjoyed people, on trips and at home. When she wasn’t travelling, she made it a priority to spend time with her grandchildren. Karen was thoughtful about the impact she made, for instance, while she thrived in her garden, she also made sure the bees enjoyed helpful plants. An avid volunteer, she spent six years volunteering at a not-for-profit book store, Liga MAC, in San Jose del Cabo, as well 2 year volunteering at the Restore in West Kelowna, BC.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care Karen received through the Kelowna Hospice House; Interior Heath Palliative Care; and Dr Ryan Bystrom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelowna Hospice House.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Karen on SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at the SHANNON LAKE GOLF CLUB, 2649 Shannon Lake Rd, West Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM

Location
SHANNON LAKE GOLF CLUB

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Kelowna Hospice House Link: hospicehousekelowna.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for FORBES, Karen is scheduled for SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023, at 2:00 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:

SHANNON LAKE GOLF CLUB

2649 Shannon Lake Rd West Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Nora and Barrie Phillips says:
    April 1, 2023 at 8:54 pm

    We were neighbours of Karen and Tony in San Jose del Cabo.
    We are so sad to hear of Karen’s passing and we send our sincere condolences to Tony and all of her family.
    She was a very special lady!
    Sincerely, Nora and Barrie Phillips. .

    Reply
  • The Speckmans says:
    April 3, 2023 at 11:33 am

    Tony and family,
    Our deepest condolences on the passing of Karen. She always had a smile, a soft spoken word and good laugh. She was a lovely person and will be greatly missed. Look in the sky at night and find that bright star. Shining bright with her lovely smile.

    Reply

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In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

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The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

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Diane Greenwood

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