Karen VIRAG Obituary
1957 - 2014
Following a brief illness and surrounded by family and friends, Karen Virag died on January 11, 2014, in Edmonton.
Karen is survived by her mother, Jean Virag of Tillsonburg, Ontario; her brother, Steve Virag, of Edmonton; other family members in Ontario, Belgium and Hungary; and her cat, Stanley. Karen is sadly missed by her friends from across Canada and other countries. She was predeceased by her father, Steven Virag, in 1996.
Born and raised in southwestern Ontario's "tobacco country," Karen attended the University of Toronto, where she obtained a general studies BA (English, Latin, French) in 1981. Shortly thereafter, she followed her heart to Edmonton. Karen was a glamorous woman who had many passions and was known for her kindness, generosity, wit, imagination and brilliance. She travelled widely, loved languages and was fluent in many. A superb writer and editor, she earned an MA in comparative literature from the University of Alberta in 1996. Karen cherished the power of the written word. She began her writing career as a freelancer and technical writer and became a published author across different genres. For 16 years, Karen was the supervising editor of publications for the Alberta Teachers' Association. She was half of CBC Radio's Grammar Gals, a contributor to CBC Radio's Ideas program, a book reviewer for the Edmonton Journal and a writer for The Tomato. Karen was an ardent supporter of the arts, serving as a board member for Arts on the Avenue, the Editors Association of Canada and the Cultural Human Resources Council of Canada. Karen was one-of-a-kind-she enriched the lives of many people.
Special thanks to Karen's caring friends, who assisted her at home and in hospital; to Dr. Jane Kachope; and to the excellent staff of 9Y Unit at Edmonton General Hospital.
Karen was cremated, and her ashes will be returned to Ontario. A Catholic Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Basilica, 10044 - 113 Street, Edmonton, on Friday, January 24, at 1:30 p.m. In honour of Karen, mourners are asked to dress in their best black and to wear colourful scarves.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Victoria College, University of Toronto; to The Nature Conservancy of Canada; or to the Wirth Institute at the University of Alberta, with the memo "in memory of Karen Virag".
To send condolences, please visit:
www.connelly-mckinley.com
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21 Entries
Oliver Botar
January 25, 2019
Karen was a rare individual: Brilliant, kind, funny, amazing. I miss her terribly.
Oliver Botar
February 18, 2014
I feel like I'd like to add something to what I had written previously, about how I met Karen through my mother. I was in shock at the time and not very articulate. Karen was one of those really special people one encounters only rarely. Now that I know how many people knew and loved her, I'm all the more surprised that she made time for me every time I visited Edmonton. Talking to her was so easy, being with her was so easy. She will be missed.
Ken Hay
February 17, 2014
When I see the names of the many people bearing witness to Karen's life and legacy, I consider that by itself to be a moving and fitting tribute. I was a friend of Karen in the 80s and I would like to be counted among all those who would bear silent witness to her generous spirit and joie de vivre.
Gregory Forth
January 28, 2014
I first met Karen shortly after she began her MA, back in 1993. We have kept in touch ever since. Her sudden passing has obviously shocked and saddened her many friends, and she will remain an irreplaceable part of our lives. But it was a privilege to know her. My condolences go out especially to her immediate family and those close friends who were with her till the very end.
Gregory Forth, Anthropology, University of Albera
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Lilla Sipos
January 26, 2014
Dear Steve and Ms Virag, my sincere condolences. Karen was always a "warm hug" for me with her thoughtful and funny words. She was my "witness" on the wedding (according to the European tradition). I will miss her until the last day of my life.
January 26, 2014
To Karen's family, friends and colleagues,
Prayers for strength and courage at this very sad time. I hope you find solace in warm memories of your time with Karen.
With sincere sympathy,
Lisa Pashniak
Christa Bedwin
January 24, 2014
She was such a bright light and it's a tragedy to us all that our time with her and experiencing her influence was too short. The condolence to all of us is that we can remember her brightness and do our best to emulate her incredible work and way of being with others. She was a shining star for sure and it's a shock that she's gone.
January 23, 2014
During my time with EAC's Active Voice, I met Karen for a long chat at a local restaurant, to discuss our vision and how best to manage the magazine. With diplomacy, wisdom, and a terrific sense of humour, she helped me to navigate the transition to a new editorial team, and always showed excellent leadership and mentorship. Although we only met once, we spoke often by phone, and I shall miss her. RIP to a caring, vibrant, accomplished woman.
Bernard Burton
January 21, 2014
Dear Virag Family. My most sincere condolences on Karen's passing. I spent three years working with Karen on the board of the Cultural Human Resources Council and enjoyed her passion for the arts and culture in Canada. She will be missed.
Heather Ebbs
January 21, 2014
My sincere condolences to Karen's family and close friends. Karen was a star.
Greg MacArthur
January 20, 2014
so shocked and saddened to learn of Karen's death. She was such a help and joy to me during my time in Edmonton.
Cathy McPhalen
January 20, 2014
Karen, your conversation always sparkled and your wit was sharp but always kind. Thank-you for having made so many lives better.
January 19, 2014
Karen was a dear friend I met through my mother, Gabrielle Botar, from whom she studied Hungarian. It was typical of Karen that she became a close friend with a woman 44 years her senior. I will miss her very much. Love to you always, Oliver Botar, Winnipeg
Mohamad Houcheimi
January 19, 2014
Karen; we will miss you at ATA
Gael Spivak
January 18, 2014
My condolences to Karen's family and friends. Karen made many contributions to the world, including where I knew her from (the Editors' Association of Canada). We will all miss her and her many talents, and the world is a lesser place without her in it.
Tammy Smith
January 18, 2014
Karen it was a pleasure to work with you. The ATA will not be the same without you. My condolences to the Virag family.
Debora McCauley (nee..Wiltshire)
January 18, 2014
My condolences in the loss of Karen..I went to school in Delhi with Karen and I know that she will be missed greatly.
Valerie Parr
January 18, 2014
Karen you will be so missed, your smile, your wit and your passion for community, particularly AOTA. Thank you for all you gave. I am grateful we volunteered together at Deep Freeze 2013, during that time I saw your amazing spirit and it made me smile.
Condolences to you family and many, many friends.
Violet Peterson
January 18, 2014
To Mrs Virag and Steve. My heart,thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I was a co-worker of Karen at ATA. Always enjoyed her wit, humor and smile. Never saw her in a down moment, She always helped make my day fun and I will miss her very much. She was a daughter and sister to be very proud of.
Sheila Rolfe
January 18, 2014
Dear Mrs Virag and Steve, Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beautiful daughter and sister. I worked with Karen at the Alberta Teachers' Association and I know that Karen was a kind, funny and compassionate colleague. I will miss her brilliance and her laugh. I hope you remember the good times you shared with Karen and be proud for raising a wonderful human being, your daughter, Karen Jean. With heartfelt sympathy, Sheila Rolfe.
Gabor & Szidonia BOTAR
January 18, 2014
Goodbye, dear Friend. Long live your memory, which we will always cherish.
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10011-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1R5
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