McSavaney – Karen Ann McSavaney passed away on September 6, 2024 in the arms of her loving husband, Vince, in Brooks, Alberta. She battled her lengthy cancer journey with such strength and grace. She never complained and was always optimistic, offering a smile to anyone who walked into the room. Karen often talked about all her fond memories of growing up in Gardiner Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, with her brother Earl, sister Patsy as well as many cousins. She often made her way to Dominion, where she met the love of her life, Vince. One night, being the gentleman he is, he walked her home from Dominion to the Gardiner and the rest is history. They lived an amazing life together filled with never ending love. Together, they were amazing role models of what the true meaning of love and family are to their 5 children. Karen pursued an education in cosmetology. After working many years in the profession, she made the decision to work from home, providing her services to many of her family and friends throughout the town. She devoted her Saturday’s to the seniors of Dominion for free hair services. After raising her children, she re-entered the workforce as a personal homecare provider for many years before moving to Alberta, where she joined the team at Newbrook Lodge. After 15 years at the lodge, Karen sadly became ill, forcing her to retire. Being as optimistic as she was, Karen always said she would return after her treatments. The love Karen had for her family and friends was beyond measurable. The joy she found in time spent with them left her happy and content in life. Karen had many loves and interests such as swimming, her and her bff’s were the OG’s (original gangsters) of Dominion beach. Other passions that gave her much peace include gardening, reading, puzzles, painting and driving the trap line with Vin. Sadly, Karen was predeceased by her father Freddie Gouthro, mother Anna Gouthro (MacIntosh), brother Earl Gouthro, special aunt Erma MacIntosh, father-in-law, John McSavaney, mother-in-law Mable McSavaney (Burke) and brother-in-law Harold McSavaney. She will be forever missed by her husband Vince, sons, Terry (April), Kerr, Todd (Wendy), John Paul and daughter, Lisa (Jeffrey); grandchildren, Kayy, Cassandra (Zack), Holly (Matt), Brianna (Nick), Adrianna (Austin), Ryan, Marissa (Carson), Landon, Burke, Kaden, Noah and honorary grandson, Scott; great grandchildren, Ellie, Nolan, Payton and Sophia; sister Patsy (Wayne); brothers-in-law, Wayne, Brian (Lisa) and Bernie (Anne); nieces and nephews, Jody, Jeffery, Jennifer, Brad, Brent, Earl, Tracey and Dale and many cousins and friends. The family would like to thank the medical staff of both the acute care and the long-term care teams at the Brooks Health Centre, the palliative care and homecare teams as well as the staff of the Brooks Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy. We would like to give a special thank you to Karen’s brother-in-law Wayne McSavaney for all his help and support at home and at the hospital. The family would also like to thank Colleen for all her help and support she provided for Karen and our family. A private family service will be held.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD.
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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