In loving memory ~
Karen passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Mother's Day, May 14th, 2023 at the age of 97 years.
Leaving to celebrate the continuance of her life in God's presence are her three children and grandsons, Rosemary Janicki of Vernon, B.C., David Janicki of Chilliwack, B.C., and Gael (James) Robertson of Toronto, Ontario; Troy of Toronto, Ontario, Cameron of Vancouver, B.C., and Scott (Samantha Payne) Robertson of Guelph, Ontario; one great-granddaughter, Evelyn Louise Robertson of Guelph, Ontario; one brother, Fred (Pat Badali) Olsen of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Fred in 1988; parents, Jens Fredrik Olsen in 1948 and Antoinette (Lallier) in 1988; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Jeanette Olsen in 1929 and Donna Dobson in 2001 along with her husband, Robert Dobson in 2000; and two brothers, Adelor Olsen in 1981 and Tony Olsen in 2003.
Karen was born on February 1st, 1926, in Mowbray, Manitoba and grew up there on the family farm. She taught school in their one-room schoolhouse before moving to Winnipeg to become a registered nurse. Upon completing her training, she moved to Vernon in 1949, where she began her nursing career at the recently completed Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Karen moved into the nurse's residence, the building of which eventually was moved and became Howard House. Within a year of her arrival to Vernon, she met and married Fred Janicki on June 1st, 1950.
Karen's extracurricular activities included swimming, tennis and volunteer work which included the Upper Room Mission. She was a long-time member of Elim Tabernacle (now known as Alexis Park Church). She was active in the church women's group, where she was the treasurer for many years. Karen's work at the hospital took her through various wards, finally to extended care and then in 1991 she retired. Even in her last weeks of life, she still thought of herself as a nurse and would go help at the nurse's station. After retirement, Karen moved to various condos, then finally settling into Silver Springs Retirement Centre where she lived until 2023. She spent the last couple of months of her life at the Polson Care Centre where the original nurse's residence had been located. Her life in Vernon has come full circle.
A Celebration of Karen's Life will be held in the Country Kitchen at Silver Springs Retirement Centre, 3309-39th Avenue, on Saturday, May 27th, 2023, from 1:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. In respecting Karen's wishes, she was cremated and a private Graveside Service will be held at a later date when she is laid to rest beside her husband in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Karen to the charity of their choice.
The family would like to particularly thank the doctors and nurses on 2 East and 3 North at Vernon Jubilee Hospital for their care while Karen was there, the staff at Polson Care Centre where she spent her final weeks here on earth and to the staff and residents of Silver Springs for their services and friendship.
Cremation arrangements have been made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.
5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187
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