February 4, 1924 - April 14, 2019
Stella Josephine Karen (Knight), known as "Joey", slipped away quietly on Sunday, April 14, 2019, with her two daughters by her side. Born February 4, 1924 in New Westminster, an only child to Alfred and Kate Knight.
Music was a great passion in her life, starting with piano lessons at age 4, Joey attained her Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music at 18. Joey was very active in many aspects of the music world, both in Vancouver and in Vernon after her arrival in 1948 with husband Walter.
As a piano teacher and lifelong member of the Vernon Registered Music Teachers, involvement in the North Okanagan Community Concert Association as a founding member (1953), as the first soloist with the newly formed Okanagan Symphony (1960), in the creation of the Vernon Community Music School (1975), as youth choir leader and later as organist at Trinity United Church, she touched many lives.
Along with her great friend and singer, Hugh Carter, she played a series of fundraising concerts in her East Hill home, donating the proceeds to local charitable organisations from the Family Resource Centre to Hospice House as well as victims of international disasters.
Joey was also an ardent dog lover and anyone who knew her could not fail to meet at least one of the series of resident Boxers.
Survived by daughters Brenda Dewonck (Bernard), Andrea Gunner (Stephen) and son Michael Karen (Greg), grandchildren Justin Dewonck (Trish), Danielle Hyndman (Michael), John, Kayla and Zetteh Gunner, great-grandchildren Makenna and Carson Dewonck and Sophia Hyndman. Predeceased by son Robert Karen (1978).
A Celebration of Life to be held on Thursday, May 2 at 11 am at Trinity United Church, 3300 Alexis Park Drive, Vernon. Reception to follow. Donations gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers to the Canadian Cancer Society.