PLUMPTON, Karen Saralee “Lee” (née Gagnon)

—

On Wednesday, June 16, 2021, with dignity and grace, and in the loving care of her husband David Plumpton and their daughters Christina Muir, Stephanie Bradley, our beloved Karen Sara-Lee (Lee) Plumpton (née Gagnon) passed away at home in West Kelowna, BC.

Lee was born on October 8, 1952, in Haileybury, Ontario. She was the second youngest of six children, four brothers: Ross, Barry, Bruce and William (Bill) Gagnon and one sister: Veronica, to parents Dorothy (Hazel Davis) and Walter Augustus Gagnon.

Lee is survived by her loving husband David Plumpton, her daughters: Christina “Chrissy” Muir (Russell), Stephanie Bradley (Allen), her 4 grandchildren Jeremy, Brandan, Reegan and Makenna. She also leaves behind to grieve her 4 brothers; Ross Gagnon (Terry), Barry Gagnon, Bruce Gagnon (Rose), Bill Gagnon, her numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families, and her in-laws: Jane and Wayne Howe, Joan and Ron Currie, Diane Plumpton, Cindy and Ernie Moorhead, Gina and Rob Chiarelli, Robert and Arlene Plumpton, Tom Plumpton, Stephanie Plumpton and her beloved father-in-law, Robert Neil Plumpton.

Lee was predeceased by her parents, her sister, and her mother-in-law, Nadine Plumpton.

In her youth, Lee loved everything about school. She excelled in most things she tried but especially loved sports (specifically volleyball and soccer).

A true “natural beauty”, both inside and out, Lee was swept off her feet by her first, and only husband, David Plumpton on August 28, 1971. Like “hand in glove”, for almost 50 years, this dynamic duo manoeuvred life’s adventures together in various places in Ontario (universities, communities, business adventures and careers) and travelled extensively to much-needed sunny vacations with close friends and family. Lee and David always treasured the time spent with their two daughters Chrissy and Stephanie, and their four amazing grandchildren, Jeremy, Brandan, Reegan and Makenna. Lee’s wisdom, generous heart and loving arms provided decades of unconditional love and happiness. They will all miss her immensely, but know she is now resting peacefully in heaven.

During her 48+ year nursing career, Lee always had a keen sense of community and purpose in helping others “heal”. Throughout her career, Lee provided compassionate care for all of her patients. She will be sadly missed by her many nursing colleagues, especially Annette, Sonya, and Wendy, who provided her with similar care throughout her own lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. In confidence, Lee asked to specially acknowledge the 46+ years of love and support from her most treasured “sister, colleague, friend” Sandra Clewley. Sandra was always by Lee’s side during births, deaths and special occasions too numerous to count.

During her lifetime, Lee was a beacon of light for so many of us. To honour HER memory (especially now), we ask that every day, you choose forgiveness, love, and compassion through your own actions, thoughts and prayers, and most importantly, to be kind to one another.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff in Kingston, Ontario as well as her excellent Cancer fighting team in Kelowna, BC: Dr. Chris Baliski (surgeon) and Dr. Mary Wall, and special thanks to Dr. Gerhard Verster who checked in on Lee each and every day she spent at Kelowna General Hospital.

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