January 8, 1956 - April 24, 2021
In loving memory of Karen Joyce Watkins ~
Sunrise January 8, 1956 * Sunset April 24, 2021 ~
Karen, age 65, passed away after a battle with cancer on Saturday April 24th, 2021 in Nanaimo, BC. Karen passed peacefully with her husband and daughters by her side.
Karen was born in Vancouver, BC to George and Shirley Smith on January 8th, 1956. Karen spent her childhood living in Ladysmith, BC with her seven siblings (David, Debbie, Georgia, Steven, Mitchell, Kelly and Andrea).
Karen met her husband Drew Watkins as a teenager in Ladysmith and married him on August 20th, 1977. Karen and Drew moved to Port McNeill, BC in 1980 and spent 40 happy years there working and raising children.
Karen was a wonderful, loving and caring mother. She had two daughters, Jennifer (Tyson Kopke) and Jodi (Randle Henkel) and a son Rusty who preceded her in 1983.
Karen had six beautiful grandchildren whom she adored and embraced every moment with. She loved being a Nannie to Parker, Kesler, Quinn, Carter, Oliver and Miller and leaves behind beautiful memories that she created with them.
Karen had the biggest, brightest smile and enjoyed life. Karen was a friend to everyone she met; always ready for a visit and a good time. Karen loved to garden, sew, craft, fish and cook for anyone who would eat.
Karen worked for many years at the Port McNeill Medical Clinic before moving onto office manager at Telegraph Cove Resort. Every Thursday Karen volunteered her time with the Happy Gang. Karen always made sure everyone in the group felt included and went out of her way to make sure birthdays and holidays were celebrated.
Karen's volunteer efforts were recognized when she was proudly named Volunteer of the Year by the Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce.
Our Wife, Mother, Sister, Nannie, Auntie left us beautiful memories, she will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Port McNeill Happy Gang.