KAREN BALSDON

KAREN BALSDON 1953 - 2013 It is with profound sadness that we announce Karen's passing at Victoria Hospice on November 30, 2013. Karen was the cherished only child of Rosina Balsdon who predeceased her in 2012. Born in Toronto, Karen chose to make her home in Victoria 14 years ago and created a beautiful west coast organic garden which gave her much joy. Karen faced the challenges of breast cancer for over a decade and lived her life fully with grace and dignity. She took great pleasure in her home, in preparing marvelous meals, travelling and reading. Karen was devoted to her cat Katrina who was a real comfort to her. A dedicated federal public servant for nearly four decades, Karen took great pride in her work and retired only a few months ago. Karen will be lovingly remembered by her cherished family of friends in Victoria and Ontario. Karen was surrounded with the love of her CRA family, her book group friends and her golf ladies - she will be particularly missed by her longtime friends Jay and Fay in Ontario. We would like to thank the staff of the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre, in particular, Dr. Vanessa Bernstein, for their loving care over the years and the staff of Victoria Hospice for their compassion in Karen's final hours. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 9, 2013 at 3 p.m. at McCall's Downtown Chapel at Vancouver and Johnson Street, Victoria, BC. A reception will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory to the BC SPCA (spca.bc.ca) would be appreciated.