KAREN MCNALLY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KAREN MCNALLY April 9, 1925 - August 12, 2011 It is with sorrow that we announce that Karen McNally (nee Bjornson) passed away at the Kenora Lake of the Woods Hospital on August 12, 2011 at the age of 86. A long time resident of Henesy Terrace in Kenora, Karen was born in Winnipeg, daughter of Johann and Gudrun Bjornson, proud new Canadians from Iceland. She is survived by her sister Hilda Ranson and brother, Kari Bjornson and predeceased by her husband, Roy Benjaman McNally in 1970. She will be lovingly remembered by all, including her son Robert, granddaughter Marcy, grandson Sean, great- grandsons, Bradyn and Jordyn as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Karen spent much of her life in Minaki and enjoyed the natural beauty, the peace and solitude of the community. Her flower gardens were inspired by and complimented Mother Nature. Her many years in Minaki were amongst the happiest of her life. She was a loving mother and formed lifelong friendships, to mention but a few, with Florence, Audrey, Grace and a couple of young ladies, Cookie and Barbara who always managed to visit when a chocolate cake was warm from the oven. Karen's idea of friendship was based on loyalty and a genuine liking that was always reciprocated and lasted throughout her life and beyond. Prior to being married, Karen worked at the McDonald Aircraft Plant in Winnipeg with her sister Hilda during the Second World War. She also spent a number of years in Winnipeg working at the main branch of the Post Office as a calligrapher, and earned tribute from the city for her poster design. Her passion in life was art, studying the great masters and developing her own unique style of painting. Her paintings of faceless children at play in a style similar, to Quebec Primitive Artists, are hanging in many Kenora area homes and beyond. She was gifted with an unerring sense of colour balance and composition and her paintings captured the joys of childhood. The children without faces inspire the viewer to place themselves at play during their childhood. The family wishes to thank the Northern Independent Living Services and all the staff and members of that organization that made Karen's life so enjoyable and comfortable at Henesy Terrace over the past decade. One of her last requests was to send her love and appreciation to all the wonderful people who assisted her daily and to all her friends in that small community. We also would like to express our appreciation to all the staff, including Dr. Bowerman and nurses at the Kenora District Hospital who cared for Karen during her final days, and to all who cared for her in years past at that fine facility. Karen often expressed how wonderful all these people who looked after her were . We know that she would also be happy that her pussy cat , Topaz will now be living with her sister in Winnipeg. Cremation has taken place officiated by the Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Centre. A memorial service will be announced at a later date, to be followed by internment at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery beside her husband and Nanny . In honour of Karen, donations can be made to the Kenora Cat Shelter or charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2011