We Remember
KARP, Fay Elizabeth
April 21, 1946 — November 2, 2021
Fay died peacefully on November 2, 2021. She is survived by her husband Joe; her daughter Allyson Kothari and son-in-law Avkash; grandchildren Aasha Fay and Aydan Rasik; as well as by her siblings June Danngren, Gerry Hill (Ruth Smillie), and Susan Van Gasbeck (Allan); her sisters-in-law Christine Wind (Dave) and Monique Karp (Ian Hanright); her nieces and nephews Glen, Karen and Mark Allen (June’s children), Emmaline, Tom and Lucy Hill, Ryan Van Gasbeck, and Hanna and Colin Wind.
The second daughter of Don and Alice Hill, Fay was born in Regina, SK following her dad’s return from the war. On the bus a day or two later, a stranger asked Don about his new daughter’s name. “Don’t have one yet”, Don said. “How about Elizabeth? After the royal Princess”, the stranger said. And Fay Elizabeth she became.
The family moved to Saskatoon, Wynyard and then Herbert as Don’s career took him from teacher to Principal to Superintendent of Schools. By the time the family (which now numbered three girls and one boy, two other children having died in infancy) moved to Regina in 1961, Fay was ready to shine. She was student Social convener at her high school in Regina, where she dated the President. She was a model, for whom her mother worked from tough Vogue patterns to sew dresses a pretty model required. Going into nurse’s training at Regina General, Fay was valedictorian of her graduating class three years later.
Winnipeg, MB was her first stop as a nurse. She worked in Pediatrics, the beginning of a lifelong love and care for children. In Winnipeg, she met William Dotten working on his PhD in History. They married in June 1969; sadly, Bill died suddenly just over a year later.
Her travels in Europe began. Unwilling to part with a VW van she’d acquired in Canada, she shipped it across the ocean with her. A year or two later, still glued to the wheel of her van, she shipped it back.
It was in Europe that she met the gentleman known as Joseph Bernard Karp. This meeting occurred in Villars, Switzerland, which Fay toured after nursing at Canadian Forces Base Lahr in Germany. Fay’s and Joe’s marriage had officially reached 39 years (from Oct. 15, 1982) by the time of her death, but for Joe and Fay, it was a bond of over 50 years across all manner of side-trips, treks, safaris, seasonal celebrations, holidays and parties, parties, parties. Wherever Joe and Fay went, others would be nearby, ready for good times.
Fay’s nursing career was a mélange of stops and turns. In the 70s and 80s, it consisted of spells nursing on oil rigs in northern British Columbia. There her companion was none other than Bonzer, the Golden Retriever, the first of several doggy blessings in Fay’s life. Once Fay and Joe and Jimbo (Hughes) took possession of their Long street house in Kelowna, BC in 1979, Fay worked as a Pediatrics Nurse at Kelowna General, which was just across the street. Along came Allyson Martine Karp on August 15, 1983.
In the following years, Fay’s nursing interest turned to teaching. She completed a Nursing degree from University of Victoria in the mid-90s, and a Master’s degree in Advanced Nursing at Deakin University in Geelong, Australia, a few years later.
Meanwhile, she’d become a valued member of the faculty in Nursing at University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus.
Most recently, after her retirement from UBCO, Fay found the true blend of nursing, travel, mentoring, people, and family – the things she loved most. She became a leader in taking groups of student nurses to Ghana and Zambia in Africa, and to India. For almost two decades, her leadership (always with a team of like-minded nurses and teachers, and sometimes with Allyson and/or Joe) inspired practical service and deep learning experiences for all involved, the benefits of which will continue for years to come. The Okanagan Zambia Health Initiative (OKaZHI) was one of the great loves of her life. For more info on OKaZHI, or to donate in Fay’s name, please visit okazhi.org.
When we sit up, later than anyone else, with a glass of wine, when we set our table or hang of piece of art on our walls, when we talk pooch-talk to our dogs, when we hold a baby in our arms, when we open our door to welcome a guest, or when we share moments with those we love, we can think of Fay.
We all know that Fay enjoys a good splash of colour. At her celebration of life, we suggest wearing a sprinkle—even a full spray—of bright, bright red.
A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2021, at 2:00 PM (PDT), at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. (Following Covid-19 restrictions, this service will require attendees to show proof of vaccination and a gov. issued photo ID, wear a mask, and the number of attendees will be limited.) If you wish to attend, Please Click Here to Register.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
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Okanagan Zambia Health Initiative (OKaZHI) was one of the great loves of her life. For more info on OKaZHI, or to donate in Fay’s name, please visit Link: okazhi.org
Condolences
So loved. So missed. Fay made all of us and the world a better place. May we all heed her example and do the same.
With love, joy, admiration, respect, and gratitude,
Ruth
Joe and Ally:
Sending you loving wishes and gratitude for the love all of you have shared, and continue to share with our family. I am so sorry that Fay’s light has gone out. But it is not diminished. Love Ruth
I never knew Fay, but she is the spouse of Joe, my cousin. The obituary here is full of love and passion for someone who made a big difference in the lives of people she touched. My most sincere condolences to the family and friends who were blessed to know her and know her passionate joie de vivre.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Kahlil Gibran
Our deepest sympathy,
Carolann and Ron Lanier
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Fay was a personal friend. I am a Dr in Zambia snd worked with Fay at Lewanika General Hodpital.
My condolences to Day Elizabeth’s family, she was such a wonderful teacher, MHSRIP.
My condolences to fay Elizabeth’s family, she was such a wonderful teacher, MHSRIP.
My condolences to the family. She is a gallant Nurse leader, Mentor and educator. We will miss her. From western province, zambia, Africa.
MHSRIP
Please accept my deepest condolences. May God be your strength in this difficult time. My thoughts are with you all. Fay, touched my life ways I could never have imagined. A great mentor she was,always encouraging me to do my best, to be strong and courageous.she taught me to shine in my space, because she was a star herself, she dazzled and her dazzle showered me too! My I’ma friend,I shall greatly miss. Till we meet again,rest well, Ima Fay.
Dear Joe and Ally, We are sending all your family love in remembrance of Fay. She was one of a kind and we will always think of her and smile. We hope all your friends and family can hold you up through this unbearably sad time for all of us. Love K and C
Although my time spent knowing Fay was short we made a deep and profound connection. We shared so much of our inner selves and I came to respect and admire Fay for her amazingness. Her passion for her beloved Africa and all those good works will be a large part of her legacy. We shared a love of art and elephants and so much more. Fay, you will never be forgotten. Rest In peace you beautiful soul xx.
We are so heartbroken over the loss of Fay. She was such a very special person and we are privileged to have called her friend, as are so many. Our memories and wonderful Fay stories will keep her in our hearts forever. Joe, Ally and family our hearts go out to you. Fay, we love you.
So very sorry to hear of Fay’s passing. The world was a better pace with her in it. We are grateful for all her good works, passion for life and devotion to her family and friends.
What a beautiful rich tribute. Fay was always the awesome, beautiful big sister. My heart is full of great memories. But also full of pain for your family’s loss. Fay made a difference, and her energy will continue through others that felt her warmth and wisdom.
To Joe, Ally, Avkash, Susan, Al, June and ALL family members: I am so grateful for her presence in my life…what a bright light she shone upon everyone. I felt enveloped in it with every conversation we engaged in. My love and healing thoughts go out to all of you. There will be an enormous space left, as her presence was mammoth. How lucky we all were to know her and love her. I will always think of her and laugh with love. I wish the same for you.
Heart felt condolences to the entire family. Fay will be missed for her good works. Rest in peace Fay till we meet again.
Dear Joe and Ally,
Condolences on the loss of your very special wife and mother. Fay leaves a legacy of contributions and service as a nurse both locally and globally. Her passion and compassion shone as she embraced life and people. She will be missed by many!
Our thoughts extend to Joe and Ally and all the family as we remember the vibrant light that Fay shone on the world.. Her contribution has been felt by the many lives she touched, all the warmth, intelligence, and love she gave so freely. I will cherish the memories of the times shared from Saltspring to Switzerland, New Mexico to Kelowna and everywhere in between. Her phenomenal light will be so missed. Rest peacefully Fay, you gave so much to so many. xoxo
Joe, Ally and grandkids, Karps and Hills,
Wife, mother, gramma and my friend. Fay’s passing leaves an emptiness in our hearts not soon to heal over. Her laughter, joie de vivre, energy and magnetism has always been an inspiration to me – words can’t describe how much I’m missing this very special person. I am a richer person for having known Fay and lucky to have called her my friend for 44 years. Too many memories and good times to recall. Love you Fay.
To All the family of Fay,
My very best memory (at least for me ), was when my cousin Fay drove out to Fishing lake I believe in the aforementioned Vw van. She had just arrived back to Canada, from Germany. She was so hip and cool.. she had a ring on every finger. I admired those rings and she instantly asked me to pick one that I liked and then she gave it to me. It was one of the first pieces of jewelry I have ever had. I remember thinking I wanted to be as cool as Fay when I grew up. Fay was 17 years older than me and when she gave me that ring I was probably about 11 or 12. What an impact she had on me that day. If I were to look through all of my treasures I believe at age 58 I still have that ring she gave me so many years ago. I send all my love , I will miss Fay.
Fay always had an infections smile and fit right in with the loud and ruckus Kothari Clan. She truely was part of the family and her time in East Africa often led to family discussions where her and my dad would reminisce. I’m sure Fay and my dad will share a glass of wine or a whiskey and continue to look down on us and smile.
Dear Joe, Ally and family – the world is a better place because Fay existed. She helped so many. Funny, wise, generous and loving. I send you my all my love and deepest condolences.
I will miss you very much Fay.
We”ve known each other for over 50 years and I’ve always loved and admired you.
Please accept my respect and condolences on the loss of this wonderful, generous role model. I met Fay through her work with the School of Nursing, collaborated with her on developing Project GROW, and drew much from her humor, wisdom, and most especially, that “get it done” attitude. She will be missed by many, and her influence will shine on.
Fay, woking up in Ghana to the news of your passing is one of the most devastating things ever. I just could not believe it. I have lost a true friend, mother, sister, a role model and a mentor with a beautiful heart. I have known you for the past two decades and proud to say that even though you have left us with deep sadness and a vacuum that cannot be filled, your impeccably legacy across nations and continents lives on. Your passion for making a difference and making the world including Ghana a better place to live in cannot be measured.. Nurses in Ghana mourn you as a professional colleague and mentor; the University for Development Studies where collaborated with your outstanding colleagues to set up a nursing program Tamale in Northern Ghana would miss your sharing of knowledge and mentorship; Rural Ghanaian women with Project GROW mourn you with broken hearts but with fond memory of you surrounded by goats and donkeys on a hot sunny day in Nyobok-Nukunzesi donating to them to support in their struggles for economic empowerment and freedom; the children you supported to access education mourn you with a promise to give back to their community as you taught them, and above all, the Yakong family you belonged to in Ghana mourn you with shock but encouraged by your spirit of love, care and generosity. Just to also let you know that Vi-diba was looking forward to seeing you again and so it is difficult to let her know that you are no more with us physically. I will would miss you my friend and confidant! My family would miss you dearly! GROW women would miss you! We cannot hold our tears. We pray that the angels of the lord would lead you in your journey into His Kingdom till we meet again. ! May the good Lord strengthen the family and friends you left behind, especially Allyson and Joe to cope with the loss.
We will miss your loving presence, your caring nature, the life-loving nature and everything that made you different!
Sleep well my friend! Journey safe!
You would forever remain in our hearts!
We were great friends when you came back year after year to Mongu, Zambia. If I close my eyes I see your smile always dressed in colourful Zambian tradition dress or colourful aprons that your bought off our Project of Hope. You will be missed.
My condolences to the beloved ones and the family indeed. May God continue comforting you.
Nothing but fun & warmth from Fay & Joe. Something I will always remember.
Dear Joe, Allie and family
My heart feels so sad… along with being a wonderful nurse/professor, she was a wonderful friend and mentor. When I broke both my wrists. Faye did all this amazing cooking so I would have food in the freezer after a day of teaching.
They exemplified a caring skillful nurse.
She shared wonderful stories about all her of her nursing adventures…such a caring heart.
Faye had a wicked sense of humor And an amazingly expressive face.
When we were in Africa she made sure that we stopped in Accra and got ALL of the supplies including a case of wine and I don’t even drink lol.
I have so many stories about Africa …she was a wonderful traveling companion, present and supportive but not smothering.
She will be missed.
My heart goes out to Joe and Allie.
There will be a big hole in their lives.
Fay was a good friend of mine for close to 50 years… my deepest condolences to Joe, Ally, and the rest of her family.
Fay was present in the delivery room at KGH for the birth both of my daughters, Mary and Danielle. Danielle “Fay” proudly bears her name, and Fay was her Godmother.
On the occasion of my fiftieth birthday, Fay gave me as a gift the complete works of William Shakespeare, no doubt because of propensity to quote the “Bard” from time to time. One of my favourites is the following, and it pretty well sums up what Fay was all about, and what people who knew her thought about her. The quote is from Romeo and Juliet, and it a slightly paraphrased.
“And when she shall die, take her, and cut her into little stars, and she shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night, and shun the garish light of day.”
Scott Alexander
Faye, all the adventures and fun experiences we have shared from Villars to Greece, all the fun at the Grenier,all the people you have touched with your smile and good and fair advice, You will remain very much alive in our hearts….you are blessed
Nov 06, 2021
Fay you were such a bright light – always the life of the party. I am trying to imagine free spirited Fay working on an army base – that would make a good Carol Burnett skit ! Fay – you asked great questions, you found humour it almost everything, you rallied us all around a good cause, you wore awesome red Frye cowboy boots with style, you had cool dance moves, and I still have the one peace symbol earring you left in Mexico and will always cherish it . You will always be remembered with love
Joe and ally and family – sending hugs. Deb and Glenn McCullough
We are so deeply saddened with the loss of Fay She was such a generous, warm and funny soul – a genuine gift to so many.
Our thoughts and hearts are with you all
Joe & Ally, family & friends; to know & now remember Fay just brings warmth & smiles to my being, which fortunately for me overrides the sadness I had when I first heard of Fay’s passing. There are so many things we will all miss about her.
Attached is a couple of photos of Fay & Joey helping me out at the Black Mountain Music Festival in 1976 (?), a small part of all the memories. Joe & Ally, take care !
Randy
I can’t tell you how sorry I feel for you, Joe, Ally and family. You have lost a wonderful woman, wife and mother. Fay was a joy to work with through our years with the nursing program and since retirement we have had good fun trying to golf – but the important part has always been the friendship. I will miss my lovely friend and pray for you for all her loved ones.
I’m so sorry to hear of Fay’s passing. The world is truly a lesser place without her in it. My condolences to her family and all who knew her.
– Karen (former nursing practicum student in Zambia)
Sending love and hugs to all Fay always held a solid and cherished place in my heart. She touched so many. So deeply. Feeling grateful to have known her. Condolences
Sending love and hugs to all .Fay always held a solid and cherished place in my heart. She touched so many. So deeply. Feeling grateful to have known her. Condolences
Heartbreaking news, Fay was such a kind and generous soul, always thinking of others, a joy to be around. First met her in Verbier in 1973 and then for many years at the Hotel St Bernard in Taos Ski Valley. Fay will be sorely missed. Love to Joe and Allyson.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, Fay was my mentor, mother and my best friend, I will surely miss her. MHSRIP until we meet again.
I was inspired by the obituary and condolences to write the following for a lady I never met. She was the wife of a second cousin. Joe I saw as he was he was a toddler at his Grandfather ‘Firmin’s farm:
Day Elizabeth Karp
A bright gem in a desert of mediocrity, a selfless women, mother, wife, friend and teacher whose light, now extinguished by eternal darkness, leaves behind a powerful glow of goodness and goodwill along every step of every paths she has ever ventured on.
Andre Pilon
Dear Joe, Ally, June, Susan, Jerry, & family.
My deepest sympathies go out to you! Fay was a dear friend to me & influenced my life many years (51) ago. She’s always held a special place in my heart which I will continue to cherish. Thank you for sharing her with us. With love & precious memories I say good bye❤️🙏🎈Sandi
Thank you for sharing Fays memorial party, I just watched and cried through much of it. Fay was my first fan when she was six and I was marrying her. Favorite uncle. I always felt she and I had a special relationship, I will miss her
I like so many people who have written , loved Fay. The first two words that come to me when I think about Fay love and joy. Follow closely by cool. My family is thinking about Fay and her loving family. I am sad with the loss. With love
What a special lady Fay was and I’m sorry I did not know Fay personally. I am her first cousin once removed on her mother’s side of the family. I did meet her once I believe in about 1951 or ‘52 when her family paid a visit to her mother’s maternal grandparents farm. That farm in southern Saskatchewan was then my father’s. I never saw her again, which I really regret. I have recently made connection with her sister Susan this and we have been exchanging genealogy information.
Fay reminds me of 2 other very special women, her grandmother Hazel Cochlan and her grandmother’s sister Aunt Edie McDougall, their kindnesses to others and their enjoyment of life sounds very much like Fay.
My condolences go out to all of you.
So sorry to hear of Faye’s passing! Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Faye’s family!
Beautiful tribute to celebrate Fay’s life! Wow ! I graduated from RGH with Fay in 1967. Wonderful and fun memories! Loved our last reunion in Kelowna. Fay had glasses to match each outfit she wore! She treated us to her ribs on our first night, delicious! Eclectic is the word when I think of Fay! It’s obvious she left you all with great memories and strength! Blessings❤️