We are so sorry for your loss and we are expressing our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Kenny, Joanne and family. ❤️

Hey beautiful! was my normal greeting for Karen. I, only today found out about her passing. For the 8 years of the last 16 years, I celebrated my son's birthday with Karen, and for the last 2 I celebrated hers with him. Karen was a light in our world that we could never have imagined. I last spoke with her last year during the last semester when she was not supposed to be working, but was anyway. Typical Karen, dedicated to her kids no matter what. I will miss her smile and her laugh,

Doug, she loved you so completely. Ingrid, you have so many characteristics that remind me of her. We were lucky to have you with one of our other kiddos. I know that her love ran over and covered all of us with no judgement, unparalleled unconditional love. She will be loved and missed by us all.

Rest well beautiful!

Mrs. Kiefer is one of my favourite teachers during my time in Diefenbaker. She is so genuine and kind to her students, always giving out treats to us and cared for how well we are doing, I remember when I didn't complete some of my assignments during the school year and being the kind and generous teacher she is, she offered me and my fellow friends extra time when she doesn't have to. Especially it being in the exam month, where all teachers are busy. She allowed us to stay with her in the staffs room, helping us when ever we asked. Every lunch time, me and a few others would stay at Mrs. Kiefer's room, because it is always quiet, she does't have to open her room up for us, or spent her lunch time with us. But she did, she wants to care as much for her student as she can.

Rest in Peace Mrs. Kiefer.

My deepest condolences to Karen's family and friends. Mrs K has always and will forever be my favorite teacher of all time. Even after graduating we still kept in touch and met up for dim sum occasionally. I will miss her contagious smile and warm hugs.

I am so sorry to hear this. I worked with Karen during her time as a consultant for the CBE. She was so committed to the work AND to students. She facilitated several courses of ePD and never seemed to tire. I remember Karen sharing that she would always have bags of apples and oranges in her classroom so hungry students would have something to eat. She returned to the classroom after being down town and - although our paths did not cross as often - when I did see her, she glowed with the joy of working with students again. A true teacher and a lovely person.

My sincere sympathy to Doug Paisley on the passing of his soulmate Karen

My deepest condolences to Karen's family. I worked with Karen at JGDiefenbaker High. It was a privilege to work with her. I will always remember how she lit up a room with her smile and her profound dedication to students. I was saddened to hear of her passing.

In sympathy,

Evelyn Hickey

I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I will always remember Karen by her gentle caring ways and her lovely laugh. My sincere condolences to her family. May your memories give you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

My sincere condolences to Ingrid and the rest of the Kiefer family on the passing of Karen. I met Karen when she came to teach at Forest Lawn High School. She was a a computer whiz and was instrumental in transferring the IPP's from paper to an online format. He laugh was infectious and her word was golden. Rest in peace Karen.

Dear Ingrid,

I was so sorry to learn of your sister's passing. Though I did not know Karen, it sounds as though she was a very dedicated and capable person. I was also struck by the incredible diversity of her responsibilities with CBE. She obviously had a great skill at connecting with others. May your lasting memories of joyful times shared with Karen bring you some comfort in your sorrow. Lee Hunt

Dear Erhard, Siegfried and families,

Our sincere condolences on the recent passing of your sister. We were saddened to hear this news and our thoughts are with you at this time.

Jeff and Melanie Swailes

Our deepest condolences to Doug and Karen's family. We are there for you if you need us Doug.

Andrew and Janice

My sincere condolences to the Kiefer Family and Doug. I was so sorry to hear about her passing, I met Karen at several Kiefer family events. She was such a lovely person that always had smile on her face. May your memories of her help you through this difficult time.

Anna Coronetta

An amazing friend and colleague. Rest in peace my Friend!

Karen was a big part of my time working at Forest Lawn, It was through all our work on the yearbook that I expanded my passion of photography. You were kind and ready to listen. You showed me that there is always a positive side and taking the effort to find it was worth it. You taught me to celebrate the little things, not to be afraid of computers and to appreciate the beauty in fancy dangling earrings. I guess I will have to take the “kids” out for dim sum alone next time.

Karen was a force to be reckon with; both with her friends and her students. I enjoyed our many conversations both professional and personal and will miss them. The sparkle in her eyes expressed her wonderful personality and caring nature. Heaven has inherited a dancing angel and the world is a little less for her passing. Heartfelt condolences to her family, extended family and friends.

Pamela Singletary

I will always remember Karen for her warmness and compassion for not only her students, but also for her fellow colleagues. She had the brightest smile, and was a genuinely nice person who took the time to listen and encourage because she cared. She has touched many lives and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to her family.

I can't begin to describe the many many ways you changed my life. I walked into your class a shy student who wasn't sure how successful I would be, but you took me under your wing and did everything possible and more to make me feel welcomed and appreciated and that I mattered. You turned a very difficult year of my life into something positive which I will forever be grateful for. I knew you were the one person I could go to for support in everything and you guided me to do the right thing always. You were like a mother to me and I cannot tell you all the ways you changed my life. Thank you for being someone who saw something in me and believed in me always. I wish I could hug you once more, but your beautiful laugh and smile have left a permanent impression on my life and on my heart. You were, are, and always will be my light in this world and I will tell everyone I meet how I strive to live life like you did. I hope you are up in heaven surrounded by beautiful music to dance to, and all the puppies imaginable. You were one of the few teachers in my life who changed it for the better and I will never ever forget that. I love you so much and miss you everyday.

Auntie Karen, you were one of the kindest people I’ve ever met! You would do anything for anyone when asked upon and always mentored me when I asked for guidance. We shared many fond memories, endless laughs and conversations during our family get togethers. I will cherish that forever! We will take good care of Uncle Doug and you will not be forgotten. Till we see each other again, say hi to Chimo and Kayla. Love you so much!

I first met Karen at school, when I was lucky enough to work in her department at Diefenbaker High School. In less than a week, Karen had become more than just my Learning Leader, but she had swiftly moved from a colleague to an indispensable friend for life. She was a wonderful leader, a compassionate friend, professional to the end, with many laughs and a hoot along the way. Karen was honest, smart, beautiful, funny, friendly and helpful throughout her life and I enjoyed so many activities with her. We attended plays together, went to movies and movie premieres, Oscar parties, Quarterly group birthday parties and shopping too. There was nothing more enjoyable than going for a spin with Karen around the city. Karen even encouraged me to work out regularly, something many have tried, but few have succeeded in. (Thank you to the amazing Zac Glowa as well.) I thought of Karen as more of a sister, who shared her wisdom of life with me, as well as her joy de vie. Karen, you will be greatly missed by many. My sincerest condolences to all of your friends and family. Your heart was the truest I have ever met. Sincerely, Sue Bromley and family.

Dearest Karen I will miss you and all the fun things we were planning to do.

You were the kindest and most loving person I ever met. Always a smile and oh what a teacher. I remember meeting you in the line-up for ID cards for summer school 2000. We started laughing and never quit. There is a part of my heart that will never be fixed. I will always

remember you and your smile.

To Doug and the entire Kiefer family, my condolences to all of you and you families.

Karen was a great example of kindness in the workplace. She always made the time to help with technology and a listening ear when teachers needed it most. She loved to give gifts and remember people to make them feel special. She especially loved to share pictures and stories of past students who had become part of her family. I will miss her and her generous spirit.

We met Karen when he both had her as a teacher in high school but she quickly became much more than just a teacher. She became a mentor and a friend. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. We will forever be thankful for her kind heart and wisdom. We love you Karen and we will miss you.

I met Karen through FM, and we worked out together. She was my biggest supporter and cheerleader. She taught me to see and believe in the good. She will be forever missed, and in our hearts forever! Kathleen MacDonald

Karen was the first to offer help to a new teacher and her side remarks made my day on a monthly basis. To her loved ones - I'm so sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing her with us.

Karen was a wonderful and caring teacher. She made establishing positive relationships with her students a priority. This caring nature and amazing cookies she made during exam supervisions will always bring a smile to my face.

Ian K

Karen was one of the most authentic, honourable & intelligent teachers I have ever had the privilege of working with. She made an incredible impact on the students and staff she touched. May she rest in peace.

Lawanda Neilsen

I had the pleasure of teaching with Karen at FLHS. She touched so many student's lives..she was a favorite teacher of many. We became friends..she was an amazing friend always listening and encouraging..I will truly miss Karen and our suppers at Earls on 16th Ave. She loved deeply..I will miss her kind and fair soul..I bet you just made Heaven very happy. Love you Karen❤❤

Beverley & Walter Kiefer.

Our Family is Heart broken at loosing our Dear Karen. She was not only a great sister in law but a dear friends for over 35 years. Karen was kind and loving, a gentle soul and had such an infectious laugh and a joy for life. She was a awesome teacher and gave countless hours to her students and always referred to them as her Kids. Brittney and Garrett loved when their Aunt Karen and Uncle Doug would come for family dinners. There would be so much laughter. We will treasure all our memories of our Sweet Karen. Your are at peace now and home with your Fur Babies Chimo & Kayla .

We Love You ❤️

Auntie Karen! My aunt, mentor, coffee date, friend, haircut partner, conversationalist, listening ear. You were so much to so many and your kind spirit, gentleness, warm laughter, beauty, strength, compassion, big, squishy & safe hugs, gosh, the BEST hugs, and empathy for others will live on forever within all of us. I know every heart you met was touched by you, Auntie K. Love you so much and hope you're dancing up a storm and cuddling with Chimo and Kayla too. ❤

To the Kiefer clan, especially Bev and Walter and Dr. Jerry, I knew the most of, my condolenses in the departure of Karen. As a Sister, sister-in law, friend, teacher she will be missed but she has been reunited with your parents and in laws in Glory and there isno cancer or suffering. My heart goes out to the entire family. Edith Schroeder

Our Condolences to the Kiefer Family & Doug...Sending Big hugs with the passing of your Sister, Sister In Law, Aunt and Friend...May the God of Peace give you comfort today and in the days ahead...Hold on to the Memories and keep them close to your hearts...Gail & Ted Oulds

I met her at 15 and it started with a fruit basket, an assignment in grade 10 to familiarize yourself with the first five lessons of Adobe Illustrator (the first one). I spent the assignment giggling as I had grapes on drums, an orange singing into a toothpick and an apple on a spoon guitar.

A message popped up on my computer, as any good teacher would, and asked me to come to her desk. Sheepishly I walked to the front of the classroom where she asked me what I was doing - to which I replied “my assignment, Ms.Kiefer”. She had a look, that I later knew was her disappointment face, but she resigned and said “well, let’s see”. A remote login later, and her expression changed, a light hearted laugh later and that’s all it took, she became my mentor, my friend, and finally Momma K.

Through high school and the years after, she was there. Heartbreaks, deaths, mental health, you name it, she was there. A confidant, a friend, someone to give you the advice you needed, but not always wanted to hear. She saved my life, on more than one occasion with coffees dusted cinnamon, a Kleenex box and Avon soap that always smelled of vanilla.

16 years later, and I owe my career to her. Momma K encouraged my passion, and my distinct need to follow the path less travelled. Always there for me when I needed it, and would check in if I went too long without contact. She knew.

She taught be how to shine, even when I lost my light. To trust, when everyone seemed sinister. To love through heartbreak and sadness. To cry when I was stubborn, and to laugh when I was too serious.

I live my life aspiring to be as good as a person as Mom. The world didn’t deserve her, but I’m so thankful she gave a spot under her wings.

Say hi and have a coffee with my Dad, the then snuggle Kayla and Chimo for me.

Love always and unconditionally,

-Robyn

Kiefer family, and Doug

Karen's passing has left a hole in our hearts. We will miss her beautiful smile, and always positive attitude - even in adversity. I have so many wonderful memories of our many adventures. I met Karen 35 years ago in a dance studio. Little did I know that she would be one who would set Dave and I up on a blind date.

Karen loved teaching. She was an inspiration to all of her kids and was very proud of them. She loved to keep in touch and see where their lives would take them. Many said they wouldn't be where they are, if it wasn't for Ms. K.

She is my sister by choice. She will always be a part of me and in my heart. I know we will meet up again. I cant wait to have our lattes, ice cream, and get our dancing shoes on and dance the night away. I will remember your beautiful smile and light in your eyes, as you sparkled and lit up the dance floor.

No more cancer and no more struggles. Heaven has a new angel. See you on the dance floor. Love you Sis. Miss you Sweetie.

Love Lori and Dave Xx