It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Karen Kaptein on November 10, 2023.  Karen spent her final days at the Rose Garden Hospice surrounded by friends and family.  She was comfortable and lit up with a smile while visitors were around.

Karen was born into a farming family in Kronau Saskatchewan.  Her parents, Marion and Fred, were hardworking and resourceful.  On the farm they harvested land, maintained a large garden, kept animals, and raised a family.  Karen was the oldest of six children, followed by Tim, Murray, Rick, Roxanne, and Tom.  From her parents, Karen and her siblings learned the lessons of working hard, doing things for yourself, and taking care of family.

Karen understood her future was in her own hands and decided to pursue a higher education.  She attended the University of Saskatchewan after High School and earned herself a degree in pharmacy.  From there she moved to Prince Albert and started working at the Victoria Union Hospital.  She spent her entire career there, working her way up from student apprentice to manager of the pharmacy department before she retired.  As department manager she worked hard to develop relationships with her staff and improve the pharmacy services provided to hospital patients.  For Karen her patients and staff came first.

While in Prince Albert, Karen met Tony when they both rented a suite in the same house.  Their relationship grew and eventually they married in 1981.  They moved into a small house in Prince Albert, but having both grown up on large lands, decided to build their forever home on an acreage just outside the city to raise their family.  Together they had 3 sons, Jason, Steven, and Graham.

Karen was devoted to her 3 boys and made sure they had everything to allow them to grow.  She had them enrolled in many activities including swimming, soccer, scouts, to name a few.  She had them attend French immersion schools, and even took French classes herself at SIAST to help support them.  She was an excellent cook, baked her own bread, and always had nutritious meals on the table.

In the early years Karen enjoyed camping and the family took annual trips to the Northern parts of Saskatchewan.  Later, the family decided that a cabin at Weyakwin Lake was the place to spend their summer holidays.  At the lake she encouraged her kids to take up water skiing, a sport she was very fond of.  For 10 years Karen also hosted an annual August Long weekend fishing Derby for family and close friends.

After the boys left home, Karen and Tony enjoyed traveling and vacationed to several Central American countries as well as Holland, Hawaii, Thailand, and a railway trip to see the Beluga whales in Churchill, Manitoba.

At home Karen had a large garden and an equally large flower garden.  Her hobbies included photography and she took many photos of her flowers and the wild birds that came to the feeders.  This was one of the things she could still do after she developed her neurological disorder (MSA).

Karen’s progressive neurological disorder took away her mobility and made speech difficult for her.  Despite this, she still loved to have the kids and grandkids come over.  As her disease progressed, she always kept a positive outlook and never complained.

Karen, it is hard to forget someone who has given so much to remember.  You will be missed by all your family (mother, siblings, husband, sons and wives, and grandchildren).

Karen spent her last days at the Rose Garden Hospice where she was relaxed and peaceful.  The family thanks the staff and volunteers for all their service.  In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations go to the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert.

For those who wish to pay their final respects to Karen, visitation will be held from 1:00-1:45 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 28^th Street West, Prince Albert, SK. The Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/grays.html

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729, Lisa Bos-Atchison, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-11-10
• Location : Prince Albert, SK