Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Karen Kathleen Menyes-Gasparini
1957 - 2011
Karen Kathleen Menyes-Gasparini
1957 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1957
DIED
2011
Karen Menyes-Gasparini Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Karen on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 with her family around her. Adored wife and best friend of Gary and loving mother of Kaitlin and Christopher and her loving pup Mocha. Precious daughter of John and Katherine Menyes, and daughter-in-law to Violet Gasparini. Treasured sister of Marlene, Fred, Ron, Tina, Danny and Helen; sister-in-law of Gail, David, Guy and Linda. Dearest aunt to Carolynn, Freddy, Shannon, Michael, Fran, Jonathan, Sean, MacKenzie, Taylor, Kristy and Daniel. Great aunt to Naya, Eve, Grace and Clark. The Family will receive friends and relatives at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King Street West on Friday, May 20, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Saturday May 21, 2011 from 1 to 3 p.m. Funeral Service to celebrate Karen's life will take place in the Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, May 21, 2011at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Mark Ehlebracht officiating. A time of sharing memories and refreshments will be served in the Ratz-Bechtel Family Centre immediately following the service. Condolences for the family and donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre, 2200 Eglington Ave West, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2N1 (905) 813-2200 or can be arranged for through the funeral home at 519-745-9495. On line condolences may be made at www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
69 Entries
Karen Dienesch-Calamari
April 27, 2013
My apologies as I have quietly and silently mourned the loss of my sweet cousin Karen. We shared a name and we shared so many memories in our youth. It is hard to believe that so much time has passed since her presence was missed on this earth. I remember her quietly and often. She was such a life force, by staying silent for me I was able to move forward as if she was here. As yet another May passes; I remember all the funny life experiences we had together. She will forever be a part of my life. I love and miss you sweet Karen.
K Campbell
May 17, 2012
Karen, God Bless you always...
You were truly a beautiful person inside and out...
May 17, 2012
Well it has been 1 year since Karen left us. A day does not go by that I don't think of her. My memories of her are kept alive and I treasure my time with Gary, Kaitlyn & Christopher. I am looking forward to hiking up Blue Mountain this coming weekend in honor of Karen and will visit her plague in Memory Lane. I will have a few minutes to reflect on our time together in the past and it looks like it will be beautiful day on Monday. I'm sure Karen ordered it for me. I love you girl!
Senka Galle/Prce
May 30, 2011
Words could not explain how I felt when I heard that Karen had passed away. I didn't directly work with her but I worked beside her. I was on a flight to Athens and she was working in the back alley. Her quick response to my motion sickness was like she was my Angel. She had that Gravol for me just like a Mom would do. Karen will be very much missed but never forgotten your memory and smile will linger forever in my heart. Rest in Peace Karen and my Condolences to her Family.
Handlex PSA Senka
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Angela Blackwood
May 26, 2011
Karen had a beauty that radiated from within .... and an indomitable spirit that will be remembered by all who were blessed enough to have been a part of her life.
Now I know that Angels wear skiis.
raymond kennedy
May 24, 2011
very sorry to hear of Karen's passing!,,she was truely a wonderfull woman and co-worker,may you rest in peace karen..Love, Raymond Kennedy, Nova Scotia,Canada
Fernando Moreira
May 23, 2011
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences for your loss.
benoit giroux
May 23, 2011
Dear Karen,
what sadness I feel that I will not have the joy to see your beautiful smile again! You have imprignated so many of us at Transat with your positivism in life and thru the time with your battle. I send love to your family and may you protect them and all of your friends, a new life has just begun may you guide us well to it!
May 22, 2011
Dear Gary, Kaitlin and Christopher,
We were saddened to hear that Karen had passed. It is with heavy hearts and prayers that we send our condolences.
We can only imagine how difficult it has been for all of you. Karen was a fighter. She loved you all tenaciously. Always so full of life and vigor.
Know you are surrounded by people who care and will do all that they can to help you through this time.
All our love and support goes out to you.
The Lucato's -
Mara, Luc,Alex and Chris
May 22, 2011
Today we celebrated the life of our dear friend and co-worker...Together we stood proudly wearing our uniforms symbolizing Karen's love and passion for flying!!! As our slogan says..."we bring families together "...when we are away at work we become family! Karen was a part of our family and we will miss her dearly!!
Nathalie Dewes
Air Transat
Dore Blais
May 22, 2011
I will always remember our friendship, her smile and infectious laugh, her gorgeous turns on the ski hill, her dedication to her family, her courage and strength as she endured this terrible disease and her undying spirit. Rest now my friend. Til we meet again....
Marie Martinez
May 22, 2011
It has been a privilege knowing you. Your positive attitude, your smile which never faded will always be an inspiration to all of us.
Deborah Hay
May 22, 2011
Dear Karen
It was an honor to have known you.
Thank you for letting me share a part
Of your life.
I will always remember your courage and
You beautiful smile.
You will be sadly missed
Debbie, Jim & Austin Twining
May 22, 2011
Gary, Kaitlin & Christopher
Karen will always be in our hearts. Karen was such a strong person. She lived her life just the way she wanted to even though it was cut short. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families.
Denise & Kevin Tateyama
May 22, 2011
Dear Gary, Kaitlin and Christopher,
We were so sad to hear of Karen's passing. She fought long and hard to stay here where she really wanted to be with the family and friends she cherished.
I met Karen 28 years ago when I first started skiing in Collingwood with my new boyfriend, now husband, Kevin. We skiid every weekend with such zest and passion as I tried so hard to keep up with Karen. I can remember saying every week, " I wish I could ski like Karen". She was inspiring and infectious.
Karen will be greatly missed.
Our hearts are with you at this time.
Much Love,
Denise, Kevin and Kayla Tateyama
Carolyn Little
May 22, 2011
Karen,
You have touched the hearts of everyone you knew. You were so beautiful,courageous,loyal, loving and you had a wonderful sense of humour. You were an inspiration to all of us. I will never forget you, my dear friend. I loved you so much. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Julie Twolan
May 22, 2011
I write this message with great sadness. Karen's strength, determination and positive energy was an inspiration to us all. Not a flight went by without her mentioning her wonderful family; stories always told with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye. To Gary, Kaitlin and Christopher, I am so sorry for your loss. Karen has touched our hearts. May the wonderful memories of such a kind gentle soul live on forever.
Antonio Moniz
May 22, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family. It was a great pleasure that I had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful person. I will alway remember those wonderful moments.
Catarina Amaral
May 21, 2011
Karen, the smile that I will never forget that always brought a smile to my heart. May God and the Angels comfort you during your time of passing. May he heal your family's heart day by day and may they always be reminded of the special women you were and will always be in our hearts forever. I will always remember you forever. Gary, Kaitlin, and Christopher may God comfort you during this time and remember you now have gained her Spiritually in your lives and she is only a whisper away. Many Prayers and Blessings
Catarina Amaral
May 21, 2011
Our deepest sympathy....
Unser herzlichstes Beileid.....
Hans und Doris Gellner
Columbus Ohio
Michael & Debbie Gasparini
May 21, 2011
May God comfort you in your time of loss. Although we cannot be there in person, our thoughts and prayers are with you today and throughout the sad and difficult days to come. With heartfelt sympathy,
Anne Boehm
May 21, 2011
My dearest Karen,
You were my longest, dearest friend and I will remember you always.
An angel like no other.
Love forever, Anne XO
Denise Baillargeon
May 21, 2011
Dear Gary, Kaitlin and Christopher,
You are not alone in your grief. Karen touched the lives of so many people and she will be missed by all of them. I will miss
her for so many reasons. She was an inspiration to us all.
Denise Baillargeon
friend and colleague
Michael Field
May 21, 2011
Gary I was heartbroken when Luis called to tell me the news of Karen’s passing. It has been to many years my friend since we last saw each other but never has one past by that you and the entire family have not been in my thoughts. Karen lit up your life from the day you two met and even though she is no longer physically standing beside you I am sure that flame will continue to burn. All our love to you, Kaitlin, Christopher and both the Menyes and Gasparini families. Michael, Terry, Samantha & Zachary Field
Janis Wolfe-Bowers
May 20, 2011
Karen, you loved, you laughed, you lived!
"Love is like a butterfly; it goes where it pleases and pleases where it goes" (author unknown). This reminds me so much of you. I will forever cherish memories of you. I was so lucky to have you in my life.
God bless you and your beautiful family. I will love you and miss you forever.
Karen McNorton
May 20, 2011
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Menyes (and especially Marlene and all your family: Please accept deepest sympathies from myself,David, Michael, Patty and Norman. The news was a shock to us; but be comforted by the knowlege that she loved and lived and experienced more of life than most people 30 years older ever do! The few times we had talks at weddings(so much fun there) I was impressed by her vivacity and enjoyment and exuberance for life and her laughter. She truly enjoyed her (much too short ) life and loved all her family very much. Please let that thought bring you a bit of comfort, also that she is now at peace and free of pain and sickness. She was truly a beautiful person, both inside and out. Again, deepest sympathies, and in the future may your memories bring you some comfort. Most sincerely, Karen McNorton.
Mike & Sue Berdine
May 20, 2011
Gary, words cannot express the sadness we felt when we received the news of Karen's passing. You , Karen, Kaitlin and Christopher will always be in our hearts. Be strong my friend.
Love always,
May 20, 2011
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
The Laidlaw family - Joan, Rachel and Greg (in spirit)
Stephen Morrow
May 20, 2011
Karen,
You were a true inspiration yo all who had the pleasure of knowing you.Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
Your optimism and zest for life will be deeply missed by myself and many of your colleagues.
The devotion and dedication that you had for your family was truly a great example of what an amazing woman you were.
You will always have a special place in my heart.
My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Christine Chu
May 20, 2011
Gary, Kaitlin and Christopher,
We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Our hearts go out to all of you in your time of sorrow.
Jim, Christine, Ethan and Elliot Arbuthnot
Mina Wanka
May 20, 2011
I will miss our conversation,your smile,your energy and flying with you...I will remember the wonderfull and beatifull person you were...I will have a prayer tomorrow (saturday the 21st)on the aircraft.
My thoughts to Gary,your childrens,your family and friends.
I will miss you
MINA WANKA
Rosi (Hamberger) Archibald
May 20, 2011
Karen has been a bright light for as long as I can remember. Our parents used to visit back and forth and while the grown-ups had coffee and kuchen downstairs, Karen and I would play together upstairs. Our entire lives, our paths criss-crossed at family event, church or the club. Her bright eyes and big smile made her stand out in any crowd. Whether at the Transylvania Club or St. Peter's youth group, you always knew when Karen was in the room. She was beautiful inside as well as out.
When I went though chemotherapy 8 years ago, Karen called with kind words of encouragement and courage. I really appreciated her candid and informative comments that came from the heart.
Last time I spoke with Karen, she talked about her continuing struggle with cancer. She encouraged me to continue to keep fighting back against our mutual enemy. As she continued her own fight, on the outside she always seemed to have hope that she could beat her illness.
Too young, so much to live for, so brave, such a beautiful spirit, such a loss to her family and friends. She will be so dearly missed.
Humberto da Silva
May 20, 2011
Karen. It was great to have worked in the sky with you and to have enjoyed this beautiful world in our moments together.
Now your work is done and the sky is yours forever.
Peace and comfort to your family.
Gino&Lorrie Berdine
May 20, 2011
GARY:Gino and I extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy.You are all
in our thoughts.
Gino & Laurene Berdine
Donna, Terry and UE Kosar
May 20, 2011
Karen knowing you for all these years some how seems like a blink, your friendship was so sincere and your energy and courage admired, we'll miss you, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Donna, Terry and UE
Carolyn Garrison
May 20, 2011
Karen was an inspiration to all who had the privelege to know her. She was a great woman & mother. May we all learn from Karen...to embrace life & live it to its fullest! Travelling on far too early, I will miss you, Karen. To Gary, Kaitlin & Christopher...my prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pierre Mercier
May 20, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family, friends, collegues and espacially her husband and children. Be courageous. God bless you.
Leanore Sigler
May 20, 2011
Gary, I am so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and the kids.I had only met Karen a couple of times and she was always very friendly. Remember the good times you two have shared and hopefully that will help you to get through this very difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Walter and Lee Sigler
May 20, 2011
Gary and Family,
Everyone who knew Karen will have special memories of her. Like many, ours are of an amazing skier, with the competitiveness to always set the bar higher, and the compassion and personality that made everyone want to be her friend. She will be greatly missed by us all.
Take comfort in the memories that you have
and in the love that you shared.
Janice Brooks & Kevin Duffy, Mississauga
Michael Gagnon
May 20, 2011
Gary, Kaitlin and Christopher,
Karen was one of a kind. She had that bright, irresistable smile that always greeted you. We will always remember her kind, unselfish and loving approach to life...Always.
Our family is fortunate to have had the honour of knowing such a unique person. We, and all of us who knew her, were lucky to have walked with Karen.
She is gone but will never be forgotten. Our loss is heavens gain.
Peace be with you.
Beatrice Faria-clendinning
May 20, 2011
Karen, Remembering the wonderful times to-gether...how much we all will miss you...Thanks for the laughs and the stories...Enjoy the rest,Karen you deserv it..May God keep and bless you and your family. Till we meet again...Beatrice Faria-clendinning
Geraldine Carroll
May 20, 2011
To the family of Karen Menyes, I am truely sorry for you loss! May she rest in peace! Hugs and prayers from both of us. All the best Paul and Geraldine Carroll
Emma Woodhouse
May 19, 2011
Dear Kaitlin, Christopher & Gary, We were so saddened to hear the news. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts at this very difficult time. Very Sincerely, Emma, Graham, Steve and Pat Woodhouse in Collingwood.
Glenn Hyland
May 19, 2011
Gary, Kaitlin and Christopher sending you my deepest sympathy. So sorry to hear about the loss of your wife and mother. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
May 19, 2011
Gary and Family,
Jerry and I were so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Hold dear your precious children and the memories you all have.
Jerry and Sharon, Mississauga, Ontario.
Jasmin Shergill
May 19, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family members and all those affected by this deep loss.I never got the chance to work with Karen or meet her but only from talking with others, i can very well gather how much of a positive impact she had on those around her.I wish i knew you,your positive fighting spirit is a true inspiration. Farewell dear friend
Rachel Liddell
May 19, 2011
We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Karen's passing.She was a wonderful lady and obviously very proud of her " ski racers ! " Gary, Kaitlyn and Christopher, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Martin, Rachel, Daniel and Isobel Liddell xxx
Ana Botelho-Thompson
May 19, 2011
To Karen's immediate loving family i send my deepest condolences. I met Karen skiing in Collingwood over 20 plus yrs ago and lost contact......but through a mutual friend heard of her passing! Such a small world! Karen touched many hearts over the years with her charisma and zest for life that's a given.....she certainly made everything look easy....how i loved skiing the slopes with her oh so many years ago! Taken much to soon but heaven is a much better place...much love and admiration to you gal....SAVE US A SEAT! ;) You'll be terribly missed my so many, but we're so grateful for the memories you have left us! :) Till we meet again Karen! You truly were the real deal my friend! Ana Botelho-Thompson and family
Cathy Moloney
May 19, 2011
John, Katherine, Marlene and family;
I'm very sorry to hear that your dear Karen has passed away. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Cathy Moloney (formerly of Claremont Ave)
Normand Caron
May 19, 2011
Dear Karen
I am very sad today,just got the news of your passing.I will cherish the time spent with you in Athens (work). a group of us went dancing an although your body was aching
you were smiling and dancing with so much joy,this is the memory of you that i will keep with me.brave ,smiling ,i feel lucky that i got to know the great person behind the great flight attendant you were. My thoughts are with your family and friends.
Anna Milla
May 19, 2011
To the Menyes and Gasparini families,
It is with a heavy heart that I am typing this message of heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your wife and partner, daughter,sister, aunt and niece.
Karen and I not only shared the same birthday, but many good talks and times together in the past. She was an amazing person and will be missed by so many people, whose lives she has touched. She always knew the right thing to say and I wish I had the right words today. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Anna Milla, husband Pat, son William McRobb and his wife Jennifer.
Marta Jeziorowska
May 19, 2011
Karen, I had the best time with you exploring Versailles for the first time - The Hall of Mirrors will always be yours.
Deepest sympathy to Karen's family. Karen was so positive and such a fighter. As a fellow breast cancer survivor, she is an inspiration to me.
C Peters
May 19, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. Karen was a ball of fire that burnt out way to soon.
Love
Cheryl,Dennis Jonathan,Rebecca and Zachary
Caroline Soegtrop
May 19, 2011
Karen,
You will always be remembered for your warm smile and kindness. My condolences to the Menyes-Gasparini family.
Tricia Lancia
May 19, 2011
Karen, I will always remember your beautiful & infectious smile. You will be sadly missed my friend. Hugs to your family & friends during this very difficult time.
Kathy East
May 19, 2011
To Gary, Kaitlin, Christopher and all of Karen's family. Please accept our deepest sympathy on Karen's passing. A beautiful life ended much too soon. We are so sorry for your loss, indeed a loss for all of us with Karen's wonderful zest for life. May God keep you strong through this very difficult time.
Ken and Kathy East
Lorena Paez
May 19, 2011
May 19, 2011
Karen,
You gave so much to everyone who knew you. You are an inspiration to all of us, and you will be very missed. We are all better for having known you. To your family, I am very sorry for your loss. Karen was an exceptional, loving person.
John Jusdanis
May 19, 2011
May God bless you Karen, and your family.
May 19, 2011
Gary, Kaitlyn and Christopher, our hearts go out to you. Karen was such a good friend. We are so glad to have met her and shared so many laughs and stories this winter at team parties and your BBQs over March Break. She will be greatly missed. Love, Quintyn, Max, Kevin and Krista
Leonor Cummings
May 19, 2011
The world is now missing a very dedicated mother, wife and friend. You positive energy will be so sadly missed, but heaven is a better place with you in it. Your children will always have a special angel to watch over them. May God bless and keep you xxx
May 19, 2011
Karen, it was an honour to have known you! You will be greatly missed! You always showed such grace, and never complained during your difficult battle. You will be remembered for your lovely smile, your super spirit, an inspiration to all!!! May God bless you and not have you suffer anymore! I will miss you doll! xoxo
Last summer BBQ with Carolyn
frances elliott
May 19, 2011
Karen loved to hang out with the girls and her man...
Frances elliott
May 19, 2011
We'll always remember the great times in Collingwood. I'll always feel happy to know I had something to do with Gary and Karen meeting.
Heidi McGrath (Kaukel)
May 19, 2011
May you find comfort in each other, and the wonderful memories that we all share of the time we spent with Karen.
All my Love, Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.
Linda McGregor
May 19, 2011
Gary, Kaitlyn and Christopher: our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Karen was a wonderful person. Such a sense of humour, a great smile and so proud of her two children. I enjoyed spending so much time with her this year at Christopher's races. The team was very lucky to have your family as part of the "team family". They are memories I will never forget.
Love, Linda, Brian, Meghan and Cameron McGregor XOXO
Sheri Flaro-Tegelaar
May 19, 2011
Karen, you touched the lives of so many with your positive and refreshing approach to life.
Your smile,strength and courage was contagious.
May God bless your family and give them the strength to continue.
It was a pleasure to have known you and to have worked with you.
Barb White
May 19, 2011
Rachel, Bill, Rob and I are so sorry about the passing of Karen and are thoughts go out to her family. Her strength and determination will be missed. I know I feel lucky to have known her for the past couple of years.
Maxine Chouinard
May 19, 2011
Karen, Kaitlin and Christopher,
We are so very sorry for your loss.Karen will be sadly missed.
Love Maxine (Jamie, Max and Anica)
Martyn Smith
May 18, 2011
Karen,you touched everyone of us who were lucky enough to have spent any time with you. My thoughts are with you, your family, your friends and our colleagues at this time and always. God Bless you, Martyn Smith
Showing 1 - 69 of 69 results
621 King Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G1C7
Make a Donation
in Karen Menyes-Gasparini's name
How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Karen Menyes-Gasparini's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
