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Karen Elizabeth Graczyk (nee Rogerson)

July 14, 2019

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September 2, 1957 - July 14, 2019
Passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Survived by her spouse of 13 years, Barb Martin, sons Tye (Jenna) and Eddy (Anthony), grandsons Jacob and Josh. Karen was the daughter of John and Kay Rogerson and sister to Joan (Jack McKinley), Kathy, John (Joan), Peter (Darlene) and Mike (Lori).
Karen was a base brat, born in Trenton Ontario into an air force family. She moved to Ladysmith in 1964, living in the home that is now Hillside Medical Centre, while the family home was built on the Ladysmith waterfront. She lived in Ladysmith for the rest of her life.
Karen was loved for her calm demeanour and dry sense of humour. She was a woman who could say so much without ever saying a word. She had a no-nonsense approach to life.
Karen never wanted to be the centre of attention but brought a drive and passion to everything she did. She spent nearly 30 years as a home support worker with VIHA, the last five at La Rosa Gardens, going above and beyond to help make the lives of her clients more comfortable. She joined air cadets as a young teenager and never left, following in her dad's footsteps to become an officer and served several years as the CO, inspiring multiple generations of future leaders. She also followed in his footsteps with the Ladysmith branch 171 of Royal Canadian Legion, spending many years on the executive and eventually became president. She joined because she recognized its great value in supporting not only veterans, but the community at large. Serving youth, elders, veterans and the community was her life.
She will be missed by her large extended family and many friends in both Canada and Australia.
Thank you to Dr. Emily Steeves, Dr. John Paul McGhie, the staff at NRGH DRU and the palliative care unit for all of their ongoing care and support. Because her passion was the Legion, in lieu of flowers, please consider joining or donating to the Ladysmith Legion.
A graveside service will be held for family, followed by a public celebration of life 1 pm, Aug. 24 at the Ladysmith Legion.
Condolences may be offered by visiting
www.telfordtoneffboyd.com
 Teleford, Toneff & Boyd Burial & Cremation Centres

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 24, 2019
1:00 PM
Ladysmith Legion, 621 1st Ave, Ladysmith


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