Obituary of Karen Gail McManus

November 7, 1946 - Edmonton, Alberta

December 23, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Karen McManus, beloved wife of Morris McManus, of Calgary, AB, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the age of 77 years.

Karen was born in Edmonton, AB, on November 7, 1946. She lived in Ryley, AB, until she was eight years old, after which she moved with her family to Fort Saskatchewan, AB, where she graduated high school. Karen then moved to Edmonton where she attended the University of Alberta.

Karen graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to receive her Master of Library Science.

She married Morris in Fort Saskatchewan on July 12, 1969. They then moved to Calgary to begin their careers and start a family.

Karen worked for several years as a librarian for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Once they started their family, she stayed home to raise her young children: Lindsey, Tyler, and Shelley. This time at home with her children was one of her greatest joys in life. As her children reached school age Karen returned to work at the Medical Examiner’s office and the downtown branch of the Calgary Public Library. Even while working she was an active volunteer at her children’s schools and activities.

Later in life, Karen was a volunteer with the Ujamaa Grandmas which is an organization that works to transform the lives of African grandmothers and children affected by HIV and AIDS.

Karen loved to have fun! She was a proud member of the “Chinook Country Line Dancers” and performed at various events and care facilities in Calgary. She made many wonderful and lasting friendships through her involvement.

Once you were a friend of Karen’s, you were a friend for life. She has countless deep friendships that have spanned several decades, and she was a shining example of loyalty and connection.

It was her children and grandchildren that she lived for. Family was truly her greatest accomplishment, and she was the rock of her family.

Karen enjoyed several trips throughout the world, including a European honeymoon, and many cruises with friends in the Caribbean, South America, and Greece. She also had the opportunity to travel to China and Ireland. She also enjoyed many trips to the family cabin on Gull Lake which were among her most cherished memories.

She will be most remembered for her kindness, her sense of humour, and her positive attitude. Any challenges she faced she did so with strength and optimism.

Karen showed her strength and positivity throughout her life including her battle with MSA. Her last year was spent living at United Active Living in Garrison Green with Morris, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Besides her loving husband Morris, Karen is survived by her three children: daughters, Lindsey and Shelley (Ryan), and son Tyler (Leticia) all of Calgary, AB; and her seven grandchildren, Max Jr., Mateo, Marco, Tiago, Olivia, Owen, and Kendyl. Karen is also survived by her sister Janet Grier of Vancouver, BC. Karen was predeceased by her mother Faye Winchcombe, her brothers, Colin and Terry Grier, and her son-in-law Max Marin Sr.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. McManus’ service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Karen’s family here.

In living memory of Karen McManus, 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.

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Click Here to view the Memorial Card for Karen McManus