Karen Chapnick

CHAPNICK KarenOn Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Karen Chapnick, beloved wife of Jim Beer, cherished daughter of Murray and Joan Chapnick, sister of David and Wendy and daughter-in-law of Bill and Rosa Beer passed away at the age of 58. Karen valiantly dealt with multiple sclerosis for over 35 years. She will be sorely missed by care givers Toshi Carlson, Jenny Gao and Julie Zhu. Karen was born in 1950 in New York City, studied at UCLA, emigrated to Canada in 1976. She was a professional artist all her adult life. She was a pioneer in the field of fibre art and later moved from large pieces in the fibre medium to painting. Her works grace homes and institutional collections throughout North America. Her work was shown widely in exhibitions in Canada, the USA, Japan, Europe and Africa. She participated in the Vancouver arts community and was a valued colleague of other artists. She was a very prolific, productive artist up to the very end. Family and friends are gratified that Karen's spirit will live on through her works. Karen considered herself primarily a colourist. The vibrancy of her work will always by remembered by all who experienced it. Karen was always an inspiration to those who knew her. Her determined courage in her professional and personal life in the face of the adversity of multiple sclerosis was remarkable. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a loyal and caring friend, a great artist and a person of great strength and courage. A private funeral for Karen occurred on November 25, 2008. A public remembrance for Karen will be held in the New Year at Temple Shalom, 7190 Oak Street, Vancouver, 604-266-7190. If desired, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, 1501-4330 Kingsway Burnaby, 604-689-3144 would be appreciated.