Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
KAREN LE GOFF (PERLMUTTER) Obituary pic

KAREN LE GOFF (PERLMUTTER)

Date of Passing: Feb 17, 2021

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KAREN LE GOFF

Karen Le Goff (nee Perlmutter), aged 79, passed away unexpectedly at her home in the Wolseley area of Winnipeg on the morning of February 17, 2021; a shock to her family and friends as she retained such a lifeforce.
Karen showed wisdom and mettle from an early age and did not waste much time growing up and getting out to see the world. Born in Winnipeg in September 1941, she attended local west end Winnipeg schools before falling in love, getting married to Robert Le Goff, then an active serviceman in the RCAF, and having her first child before she was 20. She had two more sons in the next three years whilst travelling with the family from Winnipeg to Gimli and then to Belleville before moving to Germany in 1966. The family eventually did return to Manitoba in 1969 and following a brief stint of living in the local rural community of Elie, Manitoba, Karen and Robert were divorced in 1979. Karen subsequently returned to Winnipeg in what was to become her most natural setting, Wolseley.
Karen attended college in Winnipeg and enjoyed working for local businesses doing book-keeping and business accounting. She was very resourceful always well turned out and stylish on a budget. She made the best of what she had and of her situation. She found time to engage in her political activities demonstrating her strong sense of social justice that she inherited from her father. She was an avid and active member of the NDP. Most memorably, as part of the anti-free trade agreement movement, she was one of those attending the "throw baloney at Mulroney" event. She had a terrible arm and so no harm done.
Throughout her almost 80 years, Karen expressed her love of the creative arts and pursued art projects that included all kinds of paintings, drawings, stained glass, batik, sewing, knitting and interior design. In support of the local art scene, Karen volunteered to accommodate guests during the Fringe Festival, and was a regular at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Manitoba Theatre Centre, the WAG, Music 'N' Mavens at the Rady Centre, and arts and music at the West End Cultural Centre. She had also been spending part of every summer at the family cottage in Gimli since she was a child. For her three boys, she was "our hippy mom" free spirited and providing them with a sense of freedom to pursue their own lives.
Since retiring, Karen was well known as the "hub" for a dizzying social schedule which included the above activities as well as weekly aquatics classes at the Sherbrook Pool, taking and teaching art classes, volunteering at the reception desk of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, hanging out at the Forks, giving blood (she was type O), and attending regular lunches with friends and family and the monthly "cousins" events. Her warm and tasteful home was a favourite setting for many traditional get-togethers when she welcomed and accommodated everyone - even the youngest who were known to use her staircase as a tobogganing run. Friday evenings, however, were reserved for her volleyball group - a special set of friends she had bonded with for over 30 years.
Being the eldest of four, Karen had a particularly strong and affectionate relationship with her mother and father, Jack and Betty Perlmutter, who in turn had the greatest influence in her life. Her three sons, Michael, Daniel and William, heartbroken with her sudden passing, were the beneficiaries of this influence, having been raised by a loving, supportive and forgiving mother.
Karen was especially close to her siblings, Bill Perlmutter and his wife Kris and their children, David, Signy and Sara, as well as Mary Perlmutter and her children, Brian, Steph and Kevin and Ruth McLean (deceased) and her remaining son Norman. For this entire group she was Auntie Karen known for her artistic influences, eccentric desserts and the sense of fun at the cousins' events.
Her special relationship was with her grandchildren; and to them all known as Amma. Jack, Mischa, Hannah, Noah, Rafaela and George all have a very special place in their hearts for their Amma - full of great memories to own and to share. Throughout this pandemic she stayed in touch personally and/or through video chats with each of them. Yelling "Amma is here" or "Amma is on line" would bring smiles and a scurry of activity.
Karen was opinionated, independent and strong willed, but with a heart full of love and warmth. She is dearly missed by her large extended group of family and friends who have grown to know and love her over a lifetime.
A private visitation will be held on Wednesday afternoon, February 24 at Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium with restricted viewing due to the ongoing pandemic. An interment ceremony will be held separately at a later date. Please do get in touch with the family to know more on dates and location.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross.


Bardal Funeral Home
843 Sherbrook St., 204-774-7474
Condolences www.bardal.ca
Parking behind funeral home

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2021

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

  • Karen was a constant in my life since we grew up across the Street on Banning until she was a companion to my wife and sister at Sherbrook pool aqua sizes. She was truly a loving person and free spirit. Our condolences to the Extended Perlmutter family. Bob and Joy Pollock. - Posted by: Bob Pollock (Cousin) on: Mar 09, 2021

  • I'm so sorry for your loss; my condolences to Karen's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength during this difficult time. She will be missed dearly. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Bernadette Nebre (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2021

  • Our deepest condolences to Mike, Danny, Billy and your extended families. We hold many great memories of your Mom from your time spent in the West End. So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts at this very difficult time. Louise and Rick Glaser - Posted by: Louise Kos (Glaser) (Neighbour) on: Feb 24, 2021

  • Karen was like second mother to me. When I was growing up in Winnipeg, I met her second son Dan in grade 2 at school. We've been best friends ever since, some 51 years now. I spent a lot of time at the LeGoff house and Karen was so very kind and generous to me. She will always have a place in my heart. ❤ I will have the extended family in my thoughts through this difficult time. - Posted by: Jeff Card (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2021

  • So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing We were lucky to have met her several times while at the cottage in Gimli. Deepest condolences to her family. She was a lovely lady and her family will have wonderful memories to cherish forever. Arleen & Allan - Posted by: Arleen & Allan Kristofferson (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2021

  • Karen was a bright spirit and a good friend. We could talk honestly to one another about both happy and troubling matters and know we would find support. Her death is a shock but I will treasure memories of neighbourhood walks, music and movies at Assiniboine Park, good food and conversation around her table, and the many many Fridays of volleyball and friendship. - Posted by: Sheila Bogoch (friend) on: Feb 24, 2021

❮ Go Back to Listings