Obituary of Karen Lydia KIEFER

June 8, 1957 - Calgary, Alberta
June 17, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Karen Kiefer of Calgary, AB passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the age of 64 years.

Karen was born in Calgary, AB on June 8, 1957. She attended James Fowler High School before studying Mathematics and Education at the University of Calgary, obtaining her Bachelor of Science and Education, as well as a Masters of Education.

Karen began her career in industry working as an office manager for several smaller businesses in Calgary. But she found her true passion when she entered the teaching profession. “KK”, as she was nicknamed, was a dedicated and committed teacher for over 25 years, contributing to the development of life skills and the fostering of friendships for thousands of young people. Her dedication to learning led her to lead efforts in the International Baccalaureate Program, Adult Education at Chinook College, and the Career and Technology Education Council. Karen spent countless hours and days as a Specialist with the Calgary Board of Education, and helping her students in a Work Experience Program, as well as providing education to young offenders, or as she often referred to it as “teaching in Jail”.

Karen loved to ballroom dance, entering and winning awards at many professional dance competitions throughout North America. Sadly, her ankle degenerated and ended her dancing, but she then undertook a regimen of workouts and weightlifting to remain active and mobile.

Karen is survived by her soul-mate and friend Doug Paisley, brothers, Siegfried (Colleen) Kiefer, Walter (Bev) Kiefer, Gerry (Shelley) Kiefer, and Erhard (Ursula) Kiefer; and sister Ingrid (Christopher) Eggertson.  She was predeceased by her mother Lydia and father Gerhard, as well as her beloved pet dogs, Chimo and Kayla.

Karen was loved for her great qualities, as a genuine, caring person who always gave more than she expected in return. True to her character, Karen fought a brave battle with cancer and would want to say a heartfelt Thank You to her many doctors and caregivers that gave her such great care and kept her comfortable.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel Of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Karen has requested that  memorial donations be made to Operation Backpack, https://yucalgary.ca/events/operationbackpack, which supplies children with needed essentials for school.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Karen’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Karen Kiefer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

View the Memorial Card for Karen Kiefer Here