Obituary of Karen Lea Adshade

July 18, 1956 – Calgary, Alberta

September 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce Karen Lea Adshade (Wyatt) has passed away, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the age of 68 years. Karen was born to Henry Wyatt and Mary Elizabeth Wyatt (Black) on July 18, 1956, in Calgary, AB.

She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Mary Wyatt, and is survived by her loving husband Daniel (Dan) Richard Adshade, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage.  She is lovingly remembered by her children, Lea Danielle Adshade and Jeremy Richard Adshade, and forever cherished by her grandchildren Wyatt, Lachlan, Autumn, and son-in-law Sam.

Karen proudly grew up as an “army brat”. Her father served in the military, which gave her the opportunity to call many places home: Calgary (Alberta), Unna (Germany), Barry (Ontario), and Oromocto (New Brunswick). It was on a carefree night in Oromocto that Karen caught the eye of Dan. In that fateful moment, they began their life together, filled with beautiful memories, enduring hardships, and undying devotion for 53 years. The two were married in 1976, settling in Calgary, and had their first child Jeremy in 1980, followed by Lea in 1982.

Karen was a strong woman with a generous heart. A fierce “Mama Bear”, she had a splash of sass when needed. She dedicated much of her life to family, whether it was being a stay-at-home mom for her two children, Sunday dinners with her parents, siblings, niece, and nephews, or enjoying everyday outings with her young grandchildren. For Karen, her family was everything. She was selfless, always showing up through the good and the bad, never letting the people who leaned on her feel like a burden. Karen found absolute bliss in being a grandmother, spoiling them with the riches of her adoration; there wasn’t a moment she wanted to miss. Her greatest joy was time spent with those that she loved, and it has been an absolute honor for all of us to be the recipients of that love.

Karen embodied warmth, shouldering the weight of life with grace and strength. She was funny, fiery, and never afraid to speak her mind. As her health declined, she leaned on the love and support of those closest to her, finding bravery and perseverance through everyday life, facing adversity with her trademark wit and sturdy resistance.

We will always carry a piece of your radiant energy in our hearts. Sleep well.

A Celebration of  Karen's Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Karen’s family here.

In living memory of Karen Adshade, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.