Obituary of Karen Helene Hill

It is with great sadness that we announce after an aggressive illness Karen Helene Hill (nee Buksewich) passed away peacefully with family by her side at the age of 69 years in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 9, 2024. Left to cherish Karen’s memory are her children Lauren (Jeffrey), Michael (Kalley) and her pride and joy grandson Connor, as well as other family and friends.

Karen was born on May 7, 1954 in Winnipeg, growing up proudly in the North End with her brother Garry and sister Gail. Karen worked hard at many jobs throughout her life, including a fond tenure at Hudson’s Bay Company, running the uniform shops at Balmoral Hall School, completing certification and working as a Health Care Aid, and a lengthy time working for Canadian Blood Services, where she met many colleagues who became her friends and where she retired from in October 2019.

Karen’s greatest joys were her children and her grandson. She was extremely proud of both Lauren and Michael, and joyfully welcomed her daughter-in-law Kalley and son-in-law Jeff into her life. She loved her kids and was so happy to see them so loved by their significant others. While her time with Connor was cut far too short, there was nothing she would not do for him, and the utter adoration she, his Meemaw, had for him will live on in memory forever.

Karen also loved animals. Her pets brought her so much joy, and those animals adored her. Her pet pantry was always well stocked with treats and biscuits and the “favourite” wet food. She went out of her way to spoil her cats and dogs through the years, and they knew they were lucky to have her.

Karen loved the beach; throughout her life, this was one of her happiest places. She enjoyed a good meal with a glass of red wine. She also loved hot dogs and KD. She loved sitting on the deck in the summer. The tan lines on her feet were proof of that. She enjoyed flipping through the Free Press with her coffee. She was a true Winnipegger and loved a good deal. She was an avid sports fan, enjoying a leisurely round of golf when she could. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Green Bay Packers were lucky to count her as one of their biggest fans. Planning her garden and carefully tending to it was a hobby that filled her with purpose. Karen did not have the easiest life; there were struggles and hardships for sure. However, she never backed down. She was a paragon of perseverance, grit, and tenacity.

As per Karen’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Her children will ensure her presence is felt in the places she held most dear.

Meemaw, you will be deeply cherished and forever missed. You made it your life’s mission to work as hard as you could to fill our lives with happiness. You made us into the people we are today. We love you more than you’ll ever realize.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to Cancer Care Manitoba, Canadian Diabetes, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.