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KAREN HARRISKO  Obituary pic

KAREN HARRISKO

Date of Passing: Jan 06, 2013

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KAREN HARRISKO On January 6, 2013, at the age of 56, Karen passed away with her family at her side after a long battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband of 36 years, Dennis, her sons David (Lisa), Daniel (Alisa), and Jesse (Wendy), her mother Mary Swita, her sister Eleanor (John) Shewchuk and her grandchildren Ruby, Alec and Julia. She was also a beloved niece, cousin, sister-in-law and aunt. She was predeceased by her father Frank. For the last 17 years, Mom worked tirelessly as the secretary for the Manitoba division of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society. Prior to that, she worked as a bookkeeper at Shewchuk Associates law firm, taking breaks to raise her boys. Mom enjoyed tending to her flower beds and sharing a few laughs with friends. But without question, Mom's greatest joy was her family. She dedicated her life to being a loving wife, mother and Babcia. From preparing one of her delicious meals to hemming a pair of pants, there was nothing she wouldn't do for us. We asked a lot from Mom and she rarely asked for anything in return. She was selfless, generous, courageous and a true blessing to all of the lives she touched. We love you and we will miss you. We send our sincere thanks to the kind and caring staff at the Seven Oaks Hospital. Cremation has taken place and, at Mom's request, a private ceremony will be held when the flowers are in bloom. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to CancerCare Manitoba.
Publish Date: Jan 12, 2013

KAREN HARRISKO On Sunday, January 6, 2013, with her family by her side, Karen passed away at the age of 56 years. Full obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jan 7, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2013

Condolences & Memories (27 entries)

  • I just learned of Karen's passing from a neighbour, and I am deeply shocked and saddened. We were away in January. Karen and I were friends from junior high. Our lives had taken us on different roads but our paths did cross about once a year. Karen's memory will live forever in my heart. Her joy of family, her love of home life, and her laugh. My sincerest condolences to Dennis, the boys and their families; and to Mary, Eleanor, John, and their extended families. Another star in heaven, another life taken to soon. Love, Kim - Posted by: Kim Legary (friend) on: Feb 17, 2013

  • I was devasted to read about Karen's passing. My deepest sympathy to Dennis and family for such a very sad loss. Although we had not been in contact for years, I have very fond memories of Karen - a truly lovely person. You will be missed and fondly remembered Karen. I wish you peace. - Posted by: Cathy (Vitt) White (Fiend from High School) on: Feb 03, 2013

  • Karen you will be greatly missed. A truly wonderful person who could light up the room with her smile anywhere she went. I send my greatest sympathy and condolences to the family. - Posted by: Cole Bennett () on: Jan 18, 2013

  • I only had the privilege of knowing Karen a short period of time but it was exactly that....a privilege!! She was such a kind and positive woman and will greatly missed! My condolences to her family! - Posted by: Shelley Brown (friend) on: Jan 18, 2013

  • I had the opportunity to work with Karen on several projects over the years and I looked forward to that each and every time. She was simply enjoyable to be around. There was always fun and laughter in her presence. We shared many stories, mostly about racing. Karen had a gift to make others feel comfortable around her. I can only imagine the "rock" she was to her family. You would have a difficult time finding anyone nicer than Karen. It is certainly not fair that she has left this earth so early. She definitely leaves a positive lasting memory on me and likely every one she came into contact with. My sincere condolences to Dennis and family. I wish you all the best. - Posted by: Randy Premachuk (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2013

  • Karen, you were a breath of fresh air at the track, always helpful, always friendly and you will be forever remembered. Gone far too soon to your resting place. My thoughts go out to your husband and family. - Posted by: Jodi Radul (friend) on: Jan 17, 2013

  • Karen was always happy and always willing to help everyone. She passed away much too soon. My condolences to Dennis and all her family. Lorna Gray - Posted by: Lorna Gray (friend) on: Jan 15, 2013

  • Deepest sympathy to Dennis, the boys and all of their families. Karen will be missed by all that knew her. She always had time to talk or find out information for you, the trailer will not be the same without her. - Posted by: Linda Johnston (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2013

  • We are so sorry, our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We know her grandkids must have brought her all the joys in life. We are thinking of you. - Posted by: The Wingate Family (Friends of David and Lisa) on: Jan 13, 2013

  • Dennis + Family, Although we haven't seen you guys in years, probably since Dan and Gary played hockey together? We want to express our sincere condolences at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Karen was a wonderful person! - Posted by: Wayne + Linda Relf and family (friends) on: Jan 13, 2013

  • Karen was dearly loved, and will always be remembered. May she rest in the peace of the Lord! My heartfelt condolences to her mother Mary, sister, Dennis, sons, and to all her relatives. Wieczne Odpoczywanie racz jej dac Panie! - Posted by: Teresa Zolyniak (Friend of the Family) on: Jan 13, 2013

  • Dennis,its been a very long time my friend. I have thought often about you and our hockey playing days at Red River. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. - Posted by: Gary Frost (Long Ago Team Mate - Red River Rebels) on: Jan 12, 2013

  • Condolences to the Harrisko Family. I met Karen at ASD where we worked. In memory Karen will always remain a virtuous and kind woman and exceptional mother , devoted to her family. - Posted by: Melissa Stahl Fayant (friend) on: Jan 12, 2013

  • Our deepest sympathy goes out to Dennis and to the boys and their families. I know Karen was a wonderful person and a great Wife and a terrific Mother and Grandmother! Was always so helpful and nice, she will be missed and the trailer will never be the same. - Posted by: Curtis and Wendy Maxwell ((Friends)) on: Jan 12, 2013

  • Deepest sympathy to all The Harrisko Familys - Posted by: The Flaman Familys (Friends) on: Jan 12, 2013

  • Dennis and Family:We would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of you at this very sad and difficult time. Karen was a lovely person and always had such a big smile when you met her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Doug and Vicky Deprez () on: Jan 12, 2013

  • We were surprised to hear about Karen. We have good memories which will live on. We wish you our deepest sympathy Dennis & to the rest of the family. The Georgisons' - Posted by: Tony & Irene Georgison (Friends) on: Jan 11, 2013

  • I have had the pleasure of meeting Karen through racing and while she worked for the CTHS. Karen will be missed for her wonderful smile and outgoing personality and how she helped many throughout the years via CTHS. Karen had the live life to the fullest attitude in all aspects of her life..She will be missed dearly. My condolences to Dennise and family. - Posted by: Leona Stahl (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2013

  • I was shocked and saddened by the news of Karen's passing. My sincere sympathies to you and your family Dennis. I found Karen to be cheerful and likeable. She was a pleasure to work with. She showed courage and bravery during her terrible illness. She will be missed. - Posted by: Gerry Hart () on: Jan 10, 2013

  • There are no words to express how deeply Karen will be missed. Few people are as considerate, caring, and genuine as she was. Every greeting was accompanied with a smile. She was the face of the CTHS in Manitoba, but also the heart. Karen worked hard at her job, yet always made the time to visit, listen, or share stories about her grandchildren. She was so integral in the breeding industry that I can't imagine it ever being the same. That she passed away too soon is a testament to the saying that 'the good die young'. Our prayers and sympathy go out to Dennis and all of the family. - Posted by: Sherisse and Cam Ziprick (Friends) on: Jan 10, 2013

  • Dennis and family, I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. My deepest sympathies to all of you. - Posted by: Joanne Zarichney () on: Jan 10, 2013

  • The world is a better place because Karen was in it. Words cannot convey the loss we feel for our friend and neighbour. Our prayers go out to Dennis and family. - Posted by: Connie Clauson and Lee Berry (friends) on: Jan 08, 2013

  • Dennis & family, We are very saddened to hear about Karen. Unfortunately we are in Florida for the month and cannot offer our condolences in person. We feel fortunate to have known her in our "race track" life. She was one to always offer a smile and chat about her family whom she was so proud of. Fortunately we have great memories of good times with Karen. The CTHS has lost a valued and repected member of their team. Take Care ...Brian & Arlene Billeck - Posted by: Arlene and Brian Billeck () on: Jan 08, 2013

  • Dennis and family. Words can not express the sadness we feel for your loss. Our memories of Karen with her smile will always be with us. Your wedding day is still vivid in our minds. Our deepest symphaty and condolences at your loss. May Jesus comfort you at this time. He has called her home. Eternal memory. - Posted by: Harvey and Marlene Myk, Calgary (friends) on: Jan 08, 2013

  • My deepest sympathies. Karen was such a kind, warm and generous person. It is difficult to believe someone so full of life and love could be gone. I can't imagine the loss you feel Dennis, David, Daniel and Jesse but know that she will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure to know her. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Tammy Davis (friend) on: Jan 07, 2013

  • You will be missed by many my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with those left behind. Karen, You will always be remembered for your kindness and wonderful family values, your constant smile and good sense of humour. Thank you for many years of friendship, conversations, amazing brownies and wine! You will be missed but never forgotten. Until we meet again. - Posted by: Arlene jones-brenner (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2013

  • It's with great sadness that I hear of the loss of dear Karen. My heartfelt sympathy to Dennis, the boys and all their families. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of grief. May your precious memories be of some comfort in this time of sorrow. I think fondly of my years of working with Karen on shared projects for the HBPA-CTHS. We always had such great rapport. Karen's bubbly personality made working on every task, a breeze. She will be sadly missed by many. - Posted by: Hazel Bochinski (friend) on: Jan 07, 2013

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