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KAREN DAWN FONTAINE
Born: Jul 15, 1955
Date of Passing: Feb 01, 2013
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
KAREN DAWN FONTAINE July 15, 1955 - February 1, 2013 On February 1, 2013, in the presence of her family at the St. Boniface Hospital, Karen Dawn Fontaine passed away peacefully at the age of 57 years after a long-fought battle with cancer. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Brian, her husband of 31 years, as well as her daughter, Ashley, and her son, Kyle. Also left to cherish Karen's memory are her father, George Cadzow, and her brother, Brian. Karen was predeceased by her mother, Eileen Bonnie Cadzow. Karen was born and raised in Winnipeg where she attended Cecil Rhodes School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Later in life, she furthered her education at Academy of Learning College by taking a Business Office Assistant course. She achieved high marks and was considered an Honour Roll student. Karen met Brian while she was working at the Winnipeg Tribune, and they were happily married on June 27, 1981. After the Tribune was permanently closed in August 1980, Karen went on to work at the Centra Gas Company. She worked there until the birth of her daughter in July 1983. While her children were growing up, Karen volunteered at their elementary school, Pacific Junction. She later returned to the workforce as a sales associate for companies like K-Mart and A Buck or Two, which eventually went out of business. The last position Karen held was at Home Outfitters, where she once again worked as a sales associate. Karen was an avid reader, and she accumulated quite a home library over the years. Karen also liked going to concerts, as she enjoyed listening to a wide variety of individual artists, bands, and musicians. Karen also loved to travel, and she visited many different cities in the United States in her early adult years. She also went on many different trips with her family, the most adventuresome being her trip to Europe in August 2011. One of the main highlights of her Europe trip was the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria; she sang along to all of the songs while on the tour bus. The family would like to express a special thank you to the following people: Dr. D. Grenier, Dr. B. Kowaluk, nurse Elaine, and the staff and volunteers at CancerCare Manitoba - St. Boniface Unit; Dr. J. Liu and his staff at the CancerCare Radiology Department; and Dr. S. Hauch, Dr. A. Dhala, and the nurses and health care aides on floor 6A South at the St. Boniface Hospital. Respecting Karen's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private gathering amongst immediate family members. Flowers are gratefully declined. Online donations may be made in Karen's memory to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, or to The Winnipeg Humane Society. Another day has come again As time moves surely on. But nothing now seems quite the same To know that you are gone. The days and weeks and months ahead Will never be the same. Because a treasure beyond words Can never be replaced. You will forever be in our hearts, Karen/Mom. As we always say, "See you in the movies!" CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-586-8044
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2013
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I first met Karen when her and Brian got married. I found her so very warm and delightfully easy to talk with. As the years progressed we would meet each other again at Weddings, wedding showers etc., and would pick right up where we left off. That is how easy it was to be around her. She loved her children deeply as was evident by the way she spoke of them. I'm so sorry I never got to know her better. The world has lost a gentle flower that was picked before its time. You will be deeply missed Karen. - Posted by: Karen Springett (Her husband and my husband are cousins) on: Feb 14, 2013
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Cous, of course I want to remember our younger years when your family and our family went on summer vacations together at Grand Beach. We were like sisters, even talked to each other in our sleep. I remember the family evenings together which ended in hot chocolate and toast (cut into fingers for dunking). Christmas at Nana and Grandpa's singing around the piano while Nana played...again an evening ending with hot chocolate and fingers..as old as we are now, I still remember it like it was yesterday. Over the years we drifted slightly starting our extended families, but when we did get together it was so wonderful. Karen will be missed dearly. Brian, Ashley, Kyle, Uncle George and Brian our hearts are with you. Cousin Jaye/Rick and Uncle Chris. - Posted by: Jaye Cadzow (Cousin) on: Feb 07, 2013
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I met Karen at Daniel Mac. A small group of girls hung out together and they very graciously allowed me into their circle. We remained friends ever since. I remember Karen telling us sime bizarre events happening in her life at that time, and with such a straight face and level tone! I couldn't help but laugh! It was great! Recently,three of us were making plans to get together for dinner in the next few days, but it wasn't to be. She had told us of her cancer, but she was a very private person and didn't want to dwell on details. She chose instead to shoulder any fears in her heart, and spent her time with us being cheerful and attentive to the moment being lived. I admire her for that. I know that I didn't realise the gravity of her cancer and I never thought that the last time I saw her was indeed going to be the last time that I saw her. She fought the good fight. Now she is at peace, at rest and pain free. So Karen, I'm glad I knew you, I'll think of you often and smile. Say a big hello to Raj for me. See ya soon! Love, Beryl - Posted by: Beryl Graham (friend) on: Feb 06, 2013
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When we were younger Karen spent many hours at our house on Bannatyne Ave. We will miss her. - Posted by: David and Diane Lindsay (Friends) on: Feb 06, 2013