07-Jul-1950 - 03-Oct-2023
We are saddened to announce the passing of Karen on the evening of Monday October 2nd at Mariposa House Hospice in Orillia at the age of 73. Karen was born and raised in Toronto, but throughout her life, maintained a great attachment to and spent much of her time in Waubaushene.
Karen is predeceased by her lifelong companion Michael Thoms, her parents John Baptiste & Marion Gertrude Paus, her brothers Ronald & Brian. She will be sadly missed by her nephews Trevor & Mark who could always count on Karen to be there for all of life's most important milestones. Her advice, guidance and support will remain with them.
Karen had a zest for life and love of travelling. Whether it was breaking a leg on the slopes of the French Alps or flying around in an open cockpit Breezy aircraft, Karen would try anything at least once. Many who have known Karen strictly from a personal standpoint throughout the years would guess a career supporting emerging technology to be most unlikely.
Karen was highly devoted to her career at Ontario Hydro and proud of her accomplishments as an Information Technology specialist. Karen managed to strike a sought after balance, where her career closely complimented that of her personal life. Karen chose to take early retirement from Ontario Hydro when employees with at least 25 years of service were offered an early retirement. At work she earned the nickname "Crash" and after her retirement she continued to explore and foster her adventurous spirit.
Karen was a longtime lover of dogs. She proudly displayed a portrait of her dear friend Muffett in her living room and she even adopted little Hobo off the streets of Anchorage Alaska. Karen was also a caregiver to many in need throughout her life. She cared for her two aunts, her mother and several friends along the way. It has been noted by several individuals that she often looked after others at the expense of herself.
There will be no funeral home visitation, the service will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Waubaushene on Thursday October 12th at 1:00pm. A reception will follow at the Waubaushene Royal Canadian Legion Branch 316. In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Karen can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Midland OSPCA or the Toronto Humane Society.
The funeral service will be livestreamed. A link will be posted at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Nicholls Funeral Home
