Karen GERLA (nee Loucks)
Karen GERLA (nee Loucks)
Karen GERLA (nee Loucks)
Karen GERLA (nee Loucks)
Karen GERLA (nee Loucks)
Karen GERLA (nee Loucks)

Obituary of Karen Sheila GERLA (nee Loucks)

November 5, 1937 – Canora, Saskatchewan
June 8, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness and acceptance that we say goodbye to Karen who passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at the age of 83 years.  

Karen spent her early years on the farm near Invermay, Saskatchewan.  She loved rural life and in particular the animals and following along with the farm workers.  The family moved to the town of Invermay in 1947 when Karen was ten.  She enjoyed small town living, associating with friends, attending school, CGIT, and the Friday night dances. She had a fine soprano voice and sang in the church choir and for special occasions when asked.

Upon graduation from high school, Karen moved to Regina to take a secretarial course that enabled her to gain employment with a local oil company.  During her working years, she exhibited the traits of a strong woman who did not see her role as getting coffee for the male staff, and wasn’t afraid to tell them, “Get it yourself.”  Shortly after her arrival in Regina she was introduced to Rod whom she married on May 16, 1959, the start of a sixty-two year journey of life together.

In 1972, Rod, Karen and their two young sons left Regina for a new opportunity in Calgary.  Karen tackled being a mom and homemaker with remarkable energy and dedication.  A clean, organized home and preparing healthy homemade meals were priorities.  Her time was also generously given to family and friends without hesitation.  For this, her family is forever grateful.

Karen participated in many crafts and could easily follow the intricate patterns for knitting, crocheting and sewing.  She particularly liked to crochet Afghan covers in many colours and different stitching which she gifted to all the family members.  Karen played the organ in her spare time. She took part in cross country and downhill skiing with the family.  She was a gracious and happy hostess for family and friends at their Lake Windermere cottage and at her much enjoyed retreat in Arizona.  

Her home, art and clothes all exhibited her sense of style and an eye for colour.  Karen enjoyed success in all her pursuits, working career, mother, homemaker, friendships, and contribution to the family business.

Karen suffered a severe stroke in 2006 that left her unable to speak, read or write.  With no way to communicate her needs and thoughts to the outside world, it was an extremely challenging time for her.  This event also initiated a gradual decline in her remaining abilities due to vascular dementia.  Despite this, her strength and character continued to shine through as she faced these challenges.  Karen did her very best to be helpful and productive with whatever abilities she had. Her bright smile and joyous laughs greeted family and friends for as long as she was physically able to do so.  Grandma Karen was always so happy to see her grandsons as they were growing up.  She was blessed with their talents as they entertained her in the care home setting: Duncan on the keyboard, Graham on the violin, were eager and happy performers for Grandma Karen and would always put smiles on her face. 

Karen is survived by her husband Rod. She was a devoted and loving mother to sons, Keith (Janice) and Paul (Christie); and loving grandmother to her grandsons Duncan and Graham; she also leaves behind her sisters, Vivianne, Katherine, Vicki, and Jolyn.  Karen was the second of five daughters born to her parents, Victor and Bettine Loucks, who predeceased her.

The family asks that those that knew her to take a moment to remember her life among us. A family and friends gathering may be arranged at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Karen’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Pauline Ranville who provided care and warm companionship to Karen for twelve years following her stroke and to the staff at Bethany Harvest Hills Care Centre for their excellent loving care.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Bethany Care Foundation, and specify the funds for use at the Bethany Harvest Hills Care Centre, #100, 2915 – 26th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2B 2W6 Telephone: (403) 210-4600, email: bcf@bethanycare.com, https://bethanycarefoundation.com/

In living memory of Karen Gerla, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.
 

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