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KAREN ELIZABETH HIRST
With heavy hearts the family of Karen Elizabeth Hirst are deeply saddened to share that she has passed away at the Gimli Hospital after a six-year battle with cancer. She was born in Winnipeg on July 23, 1959 and passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 5, 2026.
Left to mourn her loss is her loving husband Brent, and the centre of her world their son, Brett (Kirstyn). Also left to mourn is Karen’s mother, Trudy Smith-Harris, sisters Peggy Loewen (David) and Wendy Kroeker (Ron), brother Jeff Erhardt (Tracy), and sisters-in-law Lea Workman and Kerry Voogt (Harry), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Karen was predeceased by her stepfather, John Harris, in-laws Margaret and John Hirst, and sister-in-law Jo-Ann Jensen (Tom).
Karen fought with all her will, however, after all options were exhausted, we had to accept her fate. Karen's concern was always for her family, not herself. She was particularly devoted to her son, Brett and made sure he had all her love and support. She was a person who wanted to help others, always making people feel welcome and loved. Her kindness and honesty drew people to her. Karen loved to entertain and was known for her exceptional cooking skills and attention to detail.
Upon finishing school, she started working at Shoppers Drug Mart, where she worked with incredible dedication for 43 years until the time of her diagnosis.
Our family wants to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us during this challenging time. We’d like to thank our family doctor, Dr. Mark Boroditsky and her cancer care team, Dr. Kean, Dr. Popowich, and Dr. Robertson. We also want to thank the amazing staff and chemo nurses at the Gimli Hospital, especially Julie, Donna, Tanis, Loren, and Amanda, who made all Karen’s treatments as comfortable as possible. To our friends and neighbours who brought meals, flowers, and for just being there for us whenever we needed them, we are so incredibly blessed and grateful.
In keeping with Karen's wishes, a private Celebration of Life is planned and Interment at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Karen her family ask you to do something nice for someone today.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 11, 2026