We Remember

LEHANE, Karen Noreen
April 20, 1947 — March 3, 2021
Born April 20, 1947 in New Westminster, BC, Karen Lehane, 73, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House Kelowna on March 3, 2021.
Teachers play a huge role in shaping our lives and those of our children. As a devoted school teacher Karen may not have had a family of her own, but she did have a life filled with children that she helped mould into the people they are today. Karen had a wonderful support group in her friends and cousins and will be missed.
A special thank-you to the nurses and staff at Hospice House Kelowna for the wonderful care shown to Karen, making her last days so comfortable. Also, thank you to the community of close friends who were her kith and her support, especially Ethna Tutt, who was so helpful and always there for her, and for the kindness of Father Gerald of St. Edwards Parish who administered to her spiritual needs. A very big thank-you goes to the “cousins” who loved Karen very much and had regular visits by phone throughout her journey – Lana Hart, Brian Goss, Marilyn Rodford, Greg Hyde, Colleen Borggard, Erin Hyde,- and the many cousins scattered.
Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be gathering for a Memorial Service when it is safe to do so. Karen was predeceased by her mother, Noreen Lehane, her father, Timothy Joseph Lehane, and her brother, Timothy William Lehane, and will be laid to rest beside them.
When you see a Butterfly….remember Karen.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Hugs and condolences to Karen’s cousins and extended family. Karen was a sweet kind friend. I taught with her way back but always remained friends. The photos were taken when I went to visit her last Nov. We had a lovely fun time. Please let me know when there will be a celebration of life.
Ms. Lehane was my grade 5 teacher at St. Benedict Elementary school in Calgary (2001-2002). I struggled in elementary school as I was a bit of a handful. I was in grade 3 when my teacher had me stand in the hallway due to interrupting the class (as usual); as I was standing in the hallway, I saw a tall teacher approaching me. I was nervous because I thought I was going to have to explain to another teacher why I was standing in the hallway. She asked me what my name was and we had a simple conversation where we introduced ourselves. I remember her telling me that one day that I will be in her grade 5 class… I believe I responded with, “wont you be retired?”…. she laughed. All throughout my time in grade 3 and grade 4, anytime I saw Ms. Lehane I would say hello and she would give me the biggest smile and hi back. No other teacher did this to me. For the most part of elementary school, I struggled to get a long with teachers. Like I said, I was difficult. Ms. Lehane was the opposite. She gave me a chance and an opportunity and most importantly she gave me respect. Finally, grade 5 starts and I eagerly find out that Ms. Lehane was going to be my teacher. It was an incredible year. I started doing well in school and for the first time I never was kicked out of a classroom. I remember this one time, I attached all of my markers together to make a really long ‘marker pole’. Ms. Lehane stopped her lecture and looked at me. I immediately stopped fooling around and took apart my meter long ‘marker pole’. She laughed and said, “thats what I love about you… I didn’t even have to tell you to stop”. Ms. Lehane was an incredible woman and I have been trying to find her for years to tell her thank you. I moved to BC in 2003 and never had the opportunity to tell her thank you. It saddens me to find out that she has passed away through a google search. She may have not had her own children but she had hundreds who loved and respected her. She had an incredible singing voice and could solve the longest long division equation. She will be a woman that I will always think of as she had a profound influence on my life. During my last day of grade 5, I waited until all my classmates left so I could give Ms. Lehane a hug goodbye. As she hugged me back, she said “I picked you to be in my class… because I knew you were special”. Thank you Ms. Lehane, Love Ryan.
* In the attached picture, Im standing in the red sweater beside my teacher 🙂