KAREN MURRAY

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KAREN MURRAY Peacefully, surrounded by her family, and after a life long battle with chronic lung disease, Karen Murray, born December 7, 1962, was called home on August 10, 2006. Karen is survived by her sons Brent Halayko, Justin Halayko, and Matthew Richardson, loving husband, Victor Chadi, her parents Marilyn and Thom Murray of Winnipeg, brother Rod Murray of Winnipeg, sister Alana Murray of Vancouver, sister Diane Murray-Charrett, brother-in-law Craig and nephews Thomas, Cameron, and Patrick of Georgetown. Also left to mourn Karen are her stepdaughter Victoria Chadi, brother-in-law Danny Chadi (Oriana, Cindia, and Nicolas), Mother-In-Law Argentina Chadi, very dear family friend Flor Villalobos, Uncles and Aunts: Don Myra Johnson, John Wright, Dorothy Johnson, Hugh Murray, Angus and Norma Murray, Malcolm and Doreen Murray, and numerous cousins. Karen was predeceased by her Grandparents, Paul and Murdina Johnson, Aunt Deanna Wright, and Uncle Rod Johnson. Karen was born in Winnipeg on December 7, 1962. She graduated from Churchill High School in 1980. After a few years in the work force she decided to pursue a career in the media and began studies in the Creative Communications Program at Red River Community College. Her studies there included various internships at local newspapers and radio stations. In 1987 she made the jump to television where she was a news reporter for CKY-TV in Winnipeg. Two years later she decided to relocate to Toronto where she returned to writing for the Canadian TV trade journal Playback and particularly enjoyed being the Toronto correspondent for the Variety, the main trade journal of the American entertainment industry. She returned to the medium of television when she was hired by CityTv as a producer for the show Media Television and then SexTv a few years later. Whether in radio, newspaper, or television, Karen always had a passion for telling stories, which led her to begin creating documentary films. In 1997 she completed her first documentary film, Windows on the Asia Pacific; the Medium is the Masses . While working on a segment during her time with CityTv, Karen met and was inspired in many ways by John Dugdale, a blind photographer whose story Karen felt compelled to tell. Life's Evening Hour , Karen's second documentary, tells the story of John's struggle with HIV/Aids and blindness. In her third documentary film, Adventures in Breathing , Karen told the most personal story of all, that of her struggle with a chronic lung disease and life saving double lung transplant. This was followed with two educational films for others facing a transplant: A Patient's Perspective: Preparing for Transplant , and A Patient's Perspective: Recovering from Transplant . Not only were Karen's films an outlet for her very creative mind, but she was the recipient of numerous awards including recognition from the McLuhan Program in Culture Technology, a Certificate of Merit from Intercom, a video competition associated with the Chicago Film Festival, and a nomination for Best Educational Program at the Yorkton Short Film Video Festival. Her films have appeared at numerous film festivals in North America as well as on Bravo, and Discovery Health Canada. Karen's love for life was as much a part of her as her beautiful smile. She lived life with great joy and determination. She was a warm and caring person who spread love and kindness to all around her. Her gratitude for being alive, and the desire to live just one more day stayed with her until the very end. The last 12 years of Karen's life were made so happy when she found her sweet Victor. The two shared a loving bond that will last an eternity. Those wishing to honour Karen's memory are encouraged to remember that you have the power to save lives. Sign your donor card today and tell your loved ones of your decision. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 16 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church (1100 Finch Ave. East, Toronto). Donations gratefully accepted to the Toronto General Hospital Foundation's Lung Transplant Program, 585 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2. Condolences www.rskane.ca. R.S. Kane FUNERAL HOME 1-800-419-7375

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2006