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Laurie uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
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Laurie Bolen uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 21, 2026
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I wanted to share some reflections on my long-standing relationship with my sister Karen. For decades, we exchanged emails every week—and often daily—offering each other mutual love and support through all of life's challenges. Despite the physical distance while I was living out West, our correspondence continued consistently from the earliest days of the internet.
Writing to each other truly felt like therapy for both of us. As we shared our predicaments and accomplishments, our trials and our triumphs, our concerns and our realizations, we discovered ourselves and achieved significant interpersonal growth and healing.
I will always remember that Karen was there for me; it was deeply comforting to know she was always available to offer a tender ear. Our relationship was a private treasure that meant the world to me, and I wanted to express how much that connection shaped my life.
I love you and will miss you so much Karen.
Love from your little sister,
Laurie
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Nathan Sawyer posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Growing up when I thought of coming home to Canada I thought of coming home to see my nana, the highlight of any trip home was spending time with her and playing games. One summer I had come back with knowledge of a new game, cribbage. Nana had played it long ago but was familiar with the rules, the next time I came to visit she had mastered the game, winning with ease. Her joy and enthusiasm was infectious, always eager to share it with others. I know she will be missed deeply and I will always cherish the moments we shared together.
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Becky Bulsza uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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R. Millson posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
It was a privilege to know Karen as a neighbour, but more importantly as a dear friend. Karen was an important part of the little group in our condo complex who would meet for monthly lunches and In the warm weather, meet at the gazebo on Thursday evenings for some conversation and much laughter. As a result, we became The Gazebo Girls and Karen added so much with her presence. Always sweet, kind and caring, no one would have known about her many years of volunteering because she was such a humble person that she would never have mentioned it. She handled her illness with such grace and courage, never complaining and always enquiring about the well being of others.
We will all miss her very much and are blessed to have known her and loved her.
The Gazebo Girls
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Andrea More posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
My sincere condolences to the entire Varnell family. Memories of your mom are so inextricably connected with my childhood and our life long friendship. I will always remember her beautiful laughter. Much love to you all.
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Jack and Sheila Baker posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
We will miss our dear and talented friend, Karen, of 53 years. We loved our times together with Don and Karen in Florida and our monthly dinners in London. Sheila especially enjoyed meeting Karen for lunches; chatting and emailing about our families and sharing greeting card creations. Our hearts are sad for Don, Sandra, Shawn, Nate, Noah, Karen’s sisters and the loss of a great friend.
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Michele Stadnik uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Dan and I were so very sad to hear about Karen’s passing. We loved her so much. Meeting her and Don and spending so many winters in Florida with them was such a joy. Karen was the kindest person I’d ever met. And she came to love our Shih Tzu, Louie. She shared with me that she was always wary of dogs, but Louie gravitated to her and his calm, loving nature mirrored her own. We will miss her so much!
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sue posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Karen was my sister in law. She welcomed me into her home, on so many occasions, with open arms. Whether it was to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas. We always stayed overnight and we were served a great breakfast before we got on the road for our drive home. One story really stands out from a Christmas a few years back where we sat down for dinner and Don went to carve the turkey and it was raw or barely cooked and it had been in the oven for hours. Karen demanded that Don wrap that turkey up and return it to the store the next day telling them something was wrong with it. In fairness, it might have been the stove. Karen was so upset that there was no turkey for Christmas that night but we didn't care. It was just so nice to be together as a family. Karen was a talented painter. She was a fabulous grandmother to Nathan and Noah and nothing gave her more pleasure than having Nathan and Noah nearby while they attended university. I am so very sorry for her loss and the sadness that all will feel now that she is no longer with us. All we can hope is that Kevin now has someone keeping him company.
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Jill Georgopoulos posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Karen was always such a kind and happy woman. I have many fond memories with the Varnell family and Karen always made our time together so much fun. I will remember her laughing as she sat at our kitchen table talking with my Mom on her many visits with Don. She will be missed. Don, Sandra and Greg my heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
Robin Sullivan uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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Aunt Karen's laugh was infectious. At family Christmas events growing up, or playing Scrabble around the table last month, Karen loved to laugh. She was a good listener and loved to share her life experiences and teaching in the good ol' days. She loved children and loved to express her strategies and stories of caring for children with me as she knew I could relate, being a teacher myself. She was so crafty! I loved her gifts and talents as an artist and have one of her paintings on my wall close to one of Greg's. She loved to sing and would automatically tune into the harmonies in any song. She was a natural at it. At midnight Mass at Christmas time growing up, it was so nice to be sitting close to her. She was so caring and generous. She was so proud of her grandsons and just beamed talking about them. My nephew Zeppelin gravitated to her. He loved her kindness and hugs and would climb into her lap to wrap his arms around her without hesitation. They had a special connection. Karen loved her family so strongly. Her beloved husband she respected and honored so much. She loved Sandra and Greg so fiercely. Most of all, I loved the relationship she had with my mom, her best friend. Being geographically close as well was so helpful to mom. Always offering a listening ear and love and hugs when my mom needed it most. I feel the world is a little less without her in it. She is terribly missed.
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Becky Bulsza uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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Karen was my sister, and she fulfilled all that that word implies.
She was an excellent listener when I needed to unload, which was often over the many years we were on this earth together! We shopped together, travelled together (Vegas, Paris, Italy), plays in Port Stanley, shared a bedroom together when we were kids, and so much more. She was always there to celebrate my wins and to support me when things didn’t turn out so well.
I was her bridesmaid, she was my matron of honour. She hosted a bridal shower for me and a baby shower for my daughter. She and Don are Godparents for my daughter Stephanie. We exercised in my basement twice a week for a year to get ourselves ready for the month long sisters’ trip to Italy. She was my swimming buddy as we tried to keep ourselves active in later years. When she became ill, we had weekly dinners and gabfests at her condo. You get the picture. Our lives were intertwined and I loved it!
She was my best friend, and I can’t imagine this world without her in it. Go with God my beautiful sister.
With love, Becky
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Dianne Ferris posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
My beautiful sister is gone. I always admired her strength, her commitment to all things good, her perseverance, her many talents. I will miss her cheerfulness and love.
Sending hugs to heaven,
Di
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The family of Karen Anne Varnell uploaded a photo
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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