KAREN ANN BLACKFORD

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KAREN ANN BLACKFORD It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Karen Blackford on January 13, 2000. Karen is survived by son Christopher; mother Freeda Sawyer; sister Betty Cajanek; step-brother Sam Sawyer and step-sister Deborah Thompson. Karen was born September 23, 1944 in Sudbury, Ontario, where she lived until she entered Nursing in Toronto in 1963. After practicing in Sudbury for a number of years, she moved to Brighton, England to finish her degree in Nursing. She returned again to Sudbury after a short stay in Jamaica. In 1972 she relocated to Boston where she lived for 6 years and completed her BA in Sociology. She once again returned to Sudbury to work and to complete her Masters Degree. In 1987 she was hired as a Lecturer at Laurentian University, where she taught until 1998, taking a leave to complete her PhD at York University in Toronto in 1995. In 1998, Karen moved to Winnipeg to take a position as Research Chair at the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies. Karen was an active member of her community. She worked for equality and womens rights through her participation in the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women. She made a significant contribution to advance the rights of people with disabilities and all Canadians, publishing several books and articles. Karens kind spirit and enthusiasm for life touched everyone she met. Her generosity and energy will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral services for Karen Blackford will be held on Wednesday, January 19 at St. Augustine United Church on River Avenue. Viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m., the service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Please stay for sandwiches after the service. Gifts should be sent to Laurentian University Awards office: The Dr. Karen Blackford Award Fund, or to SALV-AID in Ottawa. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook St., 774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2000