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KAREN ELIZABETH OLSON
Born: Mar 11, 1959
Date of Passing: Oct 28, 2016
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KAREN ELIZABETH OLSON March 11, 1959 - October 28, 2016 It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Karen on October 28, 2016 at the age of 57, while visiting her mother and sisters in Houston, Texas. Karen is survived by her sons, Alexander and Matthew Barnes, their father Ian Barnes (Sandra) of Winnipeg, MB; her mother Lillian Olson of Houston, TX; sisters, Ingrid Olson of The Pas, MB; Sonja Olson (Robert) of Victoria, BC; Juanita Oraevsky (Alex) and Valerie Barnhill (John) of Houston, TX, Bonnie Olson of Columbia, SC, and brother Ollie Olson of Selkirk, MB, along with many nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded by her father Elmer and brother Nels. Karen was born in Winnipeg and spent her early years there. As a teenager she moved with her mother and three youngest sisters to Texas where she lived until she graduated from high school. Shortly after that she moved to Montreal where she lived for several years. She also lived in Florence, Italy for 18 months before finally moving back to her home town of Winnipeg. Karen began work as a legal assistant in Montreal and worked her way up the ladder to office manager. Upon her return to Winnipeg, she quickly obtained a position as Director of the Hemophilia Society where she worked for many years. Even after leaving that position she continued to devote many hours as a volunteer. In recent years Karen survived a serious bout of cancer making it difficult for Karen to continue to work. Karen loved to travel, extensively touring Europe. Her favourite city in the world was Florence. Music was a very important part of her life; especially Luther Vandross, Al Green and Billy Paul. Of course her life was devoted to her sons, Alexander and Matthew. She was extremely proud of the young men they have become. Karen's memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Hemophilia Society - Manitoba Chapter, CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2016
