Obituary of Karen Melgaard

July 19, 1945 – Aalborg, Denmark

July 14, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Wife and Mother: Karen Melgaard.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Karen Melgaard a tireless worker, cherished wife and devoted mother, who brought boundless love and creativity into the lives of her family and all who knew her. She peacefully left this world on July 14, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and joy.

Born on July 19, 1945 in Aalborg, Denmark Karen embraced life with a passion for nurturing and creation. A masterful gardener and skilled interior decorator, she found solace and delight in beautifying and renovating the family home, transforming her yards into a colorful symphony of nature's wonders. Her garden was a testament to her patience, dedication, and rural hardworking roots as each bloom seemed to mirror her gentle and compassionate spirit.

Beyond her green thumb, later in life Karen was a gifted artist. Her studio became her sanctuary, where she would lose herself in a world of colors and inks, giving life to dozens of breathtaking pieces of abstract art. Her artistic expressions revealed the depth of her soul, and her works will forever grace the walls of the homes of those she loved.

However, her most profound love was reserved for her family. As a devoted mother, she shared an unwavering bond with her husband David, showering him with affection, support, and guidance. As a mother to her two children, Jordan and Cypress, she was a guiding light, instilling in them the values of kindness, creativity, and perseverance.

Karen's presence was a beacon of warmth and positivity that brightened the lives of those around her. Her infectious laughter, unending stories, and distinct toothy grimacing smile had a way of easing burdens and spreading joy. It is no wonder she devoted the majority of her professional life to being a social worker, one who was so involved with her clients you would think they were lifelong friends.  Clients, friends and neighbors sought her company, knowing they would be greeted with kindness, a listening ear, and a welcoming heart.

Though she may no longer walk beside us, Karen lives on in the memories and love she leaves behind. We find solace in knowing that her passion for gardening will be represented by McInnis & Holloway in the form of a tree planted at the Ann & Cross Sandy Cross Conservation Area and her paintings will continue to inspire us as long as they live on our walls.

As we bid farewell to our beloved Karen Melgaard, we take comfort in the thought that she is now surrounded by eternal gardens and the colors of heaven, painting celestial masterpieces in the sky. May her soul rest in peace, forever in our hearts, and may her love and legacy continue to bloom in the lives of those she touched.

Besides her loving husband David, Karen is survived by her daughter Cypress who resides in North Carolina and son Jordan who resides in Alberta, as well as numerous nieces and nephews all throughout North America and Europe, the lives of which she all touched.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Karen Melgaard, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.