April 21, 1948 - February 14, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Karen Elizabeth Whittle, 73, of Vernon, BC , passed away on February 14th, 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson's. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time she passed.
Karen was born on April 21, 1948 as the oldest of 5 to Bob and Willy Ford of Edmonton, AB. After graduating from Mount Royal college in 1968 in the study of recreation, Karen brought into this world her 2 girls, Corinne Lynn in January of 1969 and Tracy Nadine in December of 1969.
Karen later achieved a degree in business, worked in the Insurance Industry in Edmonton where she raised her girls herself. In Ontario she was an office manager for a trucking company, utilizing her strong organizational skills and her love to keep busy.
In 1984, she met the love of her life, Ralph Whittle, they met in Baden Solligan Germany and they wed in Dec 1984 in Germany, returned to Canada in April 1985 to have a second ceremony with her family and bring her girls back to Germany. September of 1985 brought the new family back to Canada, when Ralph was posted to CFB Cold Lake.
In 1989 Ralph & Karen returned to Germany for a final tour until 1993 when they semi retired in North Bay, Ont. Later fully retiring in Vernon, BC.
Karen had an incredible sense of humor, an infectious smile and a twinkle in her eye. Karen adored her family and was always full of life. She was a dedicated friend, a supporting sister, a role model to her girls and the love of her husband's life.
She was a member of the Lions club in Bonfield, Ont and Vernon, BC and will be remembered for her willingness to help and be of service to the community.
Karen was a passionate traveller and when she was not planning her next trip or destination, she could be found in the kitchen, gardening or walking her favorite local hiking spots. She had a great love of music from the 60's and 70's, and our family has so many found memories of camping, skiing and back country hiking.
Karen was predeceased by her parents, Bob and Willy, & her sister, Eileen.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years Ralph Whittle, her girls, Corinne(Jamie) Leeco, Tracy(Myq) Beresford, her grandchildren Kolton, Dalton(Katrina), & TJ as well as her great grandchildren, Ashlynn & Rowan. Sister, Maureen (Gord) Breikreitz, Brothers Rob(Lisa) Ford & Tim(Julie) Ford and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson's Society of Canada in lieu of flowers. There will be a small intimate celebration of life with her family.
Cremation arrangements have been made with
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd., 5605 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
(250) 542-1187