Karen Olson
Died: August 7, 2021 | Place:
Obituary
OLSON, Karen Marie…..
Our beautiful Karen died on Saturday, August 7th, 2021, during her Excellent Adventure, doing what she loved, hiking in God’s country – Algonquin Park.
Karen was the proud and fierce mother of Emily and Ryan Garner; the loving partner of Peter Suffoletta; the beloved daughter “Rennie” of Ronald and Linda Olson; and the unconditionally loyal sister of Julia Olson Davids (Martin) and Dan Olson (Malinda Braam).
Karen was the fun and generous aunt of Aiden and Ava Olson and Jerry and Solomon Davids; a loving supporter of Pete’s children, Ashley and Elizabeth; a beloved niece and cousin; and a special friend and colleague to many. She was cradled in her last moments by two dear friends, Stacie Baillie and Lisa Kostecki.
Karen was a beautiful, spirited woman. She was passionate about spending quality time with friends and her family. Her children and Pete were the center of her life and spending time with them, ideally in nature, was a perfect day. Karen was a talented dancer, moving from ballet to salsa through the years. She was crazy about miniature anything! A true artist, she created beautiful miniature pottery and shared custom-designed stone pictures with many. Karen loved the family cottage, nature, plants, and animals. She had an angelic voice and loved to sing, notably with the Amabile Youth Singers and later the Wesley Knox Church
Choir. Karen was a dedicated third generation nurse, showing empathy and compassion for her patients. While we will miss Karen’s strong voice in all of our lives, the music in heaven just received a significant upgrade.
Donations in memory of Karen to Amabile Youth Singers (https://www.amabile.ca/donate/ ) or Wesley Knox Church (https://wesleyknox.com/givings/ ) or any other cause you’re passionate about, would be greatly appreciated.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on August 30th, 2pm, at Wesley Knox United Church (limited attendance, please pre-register) and a live-streaming option can be found here: https://www.eyepoweredmedia.com/karenolson-celebrationoflife
Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
39 Comments
Write a Condolence
Submit A Photo
Photos
Make a Donation in honour of Karen Olson
Please mail your donations directly to the charity
Donations
Burke Flowers
When you order funeral flowers from Burke Flowers, our skilled and compassionate florist will work directly with the funeral home to ensure that your delivery is timely and accurate. Same-day delivery is often available, please call (519) 672-8190 || (800) 303-7413 for a more customized experience.
My deepest condolences to Karen’s friends and family. We went to school together at Tecumseh and South and Karen and I also worked together for a time at Zettel’s pharmacy on Wortley. I was deeply saddened to hear the news – Karen was a kind and gentle person – it doesn’t surprise me in the least to learn that she became a nurse and a loving mother.
There are no words to express our sympathy for the loss of your Karen
Our heart goes out to you mom and dad, sister, brother ,husband ,children ,friends and co-workers.
Your in our prayers and sending love to all.
Karen will be so missed and remembered with so much love.
Hugs
Chris and Kent
Condolences to the family and friends of Karen. I was lucky enough to work with Karen at SMC. We will miss her sense of humour, stories, and show and tells of her miniature clay art. She was an excellent nurse, always going above and beyond for others.
I was sad to hear the news of Karen’s unexpected passing. My deepest condolences to Linda and family.
Sincere condolences on your loss, I truly enjoyed working with Karen and her siblings during their years at South.
Friends of Peter’s and although we only met Karen in passing, it was obvious the bright light she was in our friend’s life. It is a tragedy that she was taken and please know that my family is thinking of yours.
I write with a heavy heart after hearing the news of your passing, my dear childhood friend, Karen. And yet my heart is also smiling and singing as I reminisce of the good ol’ days.
Karen, we had many laughs, shared so many stories and adventures during our time with Amabile. You were a beautiful person inside and out! The best billet buddy on our various trips and a supportive friend. I can hear the sound of our friend group on the bus traveling around Europe singing “cockles and muscles” of course in three part harmony (you helping me through my part every time!!!). I will also never forget when u started on pointe and brought your pointe shoes with you to show us how you could walk and dance so elegantly in them. It was a great pre-concert nerve buster for us all!! We were so proud of you and to see you glow and brim with pride was an amazing sight.
I hope you are dancing and singing in heaven! Much love
Your friend Nikki …( you know the rest of this…only a few of us know how that saying finishes – inside joke) xo
I can’t find words that can express what is in my heart. I have so many fond memories of Karen from our youth experiences with AYS. Sending love to you all.
We are so upset to read this information and can’t imagine how you all must be devastated. Please know that we hold you in our prayers.
I am heartbroken to hear about Karen’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of singing with Karen growing up together in Amabile. My thoughts and prayers are with her children, partner, Ron & Linda, Julia, Dan and all those who had the privilege of knowing Karen. She will be missed. Sending much love to the Olson family.
Our sincerest condolences to the Olson families. The Marshall family
My deepest condolences to the family. She was a great co-worker. I got to really know her in the last few months. She was very genuine, funny and caring. I loved her spirit. She provided wonderful care to our patients and was always there to help her colleagues. My last conversation with her was her talking excitedly about her trip. She will be greatly missed.
Ron and Linda, I was so so sorry to hear about Karen. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Chris Webb
Linda, Ron & family:
We were shocked & saddened to learn of Karen’s passing.
May you find some comfort in accepting your great loss knowing that many of Karen’s friends, colleagues & Wesley-Knox family share your grief
Peace – Shirley & Ross
Ron and Linda, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. Holding you close in thought and prayer.
My heart breaks as I write this condolence for my Amabile sister and her family. Karen, from the moment I met you at age 12 your smile and a twinkle in your eye always lit up the room. Your laugh was infectious and would often bring us to tears. I will forever cherish making incredible music with you, travelling the world with you, and rooming together on choir tours and retreats. Your kindness always shine through and you were always a great deal of fun :-). God, has gained a beautiful voice to enjoy. Until we meet again my friend, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. I am sending all of love and prayers to Mr. and Mrs. Olson, Julia, Dan and the rest of Karen’s family, especially her beautiful children who she loved dearly. My arms are wrapped around you. Tamxo
Sending my heartfelt love to Linda and Ron, and all of Karen’s dearest loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you for these days and months ahead. May you embrace each other in a circle of love, and find comfort and peace.
Pamela Dietrich
My condolences to Karen’s family and friends. I have had the pleasure of working with Karen over the last few years and she was a wonderful nurse. She will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Olson family at this devastatingly difficult time.
Condolences from the bottom of my heart.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how vital your family has always been to you. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I worked with Karen at SMC. What a bright light she was! She had a million stories about herself and her family that always brightened the days. She loved her family dearly. She was such a kind and caring person. She will be missed by all who knew her but will live on in the hearts of the family she loved so much. Rest in peace Karen.
Karen was a beautiful woman inside and out. I have many fond memories of summer visits with her at the family cottage. We are thinking of your family during this terrible time.
Such sad news for you Linda and Ron….losing a beautiiful soul too young. My dearest sympathies.
Linda and Ron and family, I was so sorry to hear about the unexpected loss of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
There are not the right words to express the pain that each of your are feeling.
My prayers and strength are with you.
Maryanne
To the Olson family and Pete.
Words cannot adequately convey the sympathy I feel for each of you, at this time of unimaginable heartbreak and painful loss. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that our family grieves with you. Karen will be forever missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
Rest peacefully, beautiful.
We grieve with the family the loss of this beautiful, vivacious young person whom we knew as the sister of Julia, the mother of Emily and Ryan, and the precious daughter of Linda and Ron. May her memory be a blessing.
We were shocked by the devastating news of Karen’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the her entire family at this difficult time.
Dear Linda, Ron and family. I was shocked and saddened to read of Karen’s passing. I am so very very sorry. Although it’s been years since I have seen her, I fondly remember listening to her angelic voice coming from Wesley-Knox choir loft. Only those who have lost a child can imagine the pain that you’re going through. My heartfelt prayers are being sent to your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
I have good memories from Baker St when the children were growing up.
Oh my dear Ron and Lin…my heart just breaks for you all with losing our darling Karen. We know how you loved all your family and we wish we could help at this time. We missed so much of her life but it did not make us any less ‘family’ and we all cry. We all remember her funny smile and her freckles .We will miss her and hope that our shared memories can help us all to keep her in our hearts forever. We love you.
Linda, Ron, & family.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts have been with you since Craig contacted us with the sad news.
May today help you find some peace.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My heart goes out to your family during this time.
A shining light with a silken voice who brought joy, a smile and love to many, Karen will be forever remembered. My deepest condolences go out to her family, and especially her children. I watch the service from afar, but my thoughts are with you all.
We are so truly sorry to hear of Karen’s sudden death. I remember her beautiful smile, singing with her in the choir at Calvary and her care when she helped deliver Steven at Victoria hospital. Our prayers go to Karen’s family on such a terrible loss.
Ron and Linda and all of Karen’s family and friends we are so very sorry with the passing of your beautiful, spirited Karen. Please know that we send prayerful condolences along with our memorial remembrance of Karen to the Friends of Algonquin Park .
Love to all, Eleanor ( Bell) and Harvey Cowan ( AHS and GHS, ’60s )
Karen was a beautiful and talented daughter, and her loss is tragic. Our hearts go out to you, Linda and Ron!
Karen’s voice hit our hearts and our souls with striking verve. I had the fortune of working beside her in South S.S. production of Godspell. She blew us away with her spark. I will never forget that feather boa. Peace.