Karen NEWMAN

NEWMAN, Karen
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful wife and mother KAREN GRACE NEWMAN of Vancouver, on the morning of March 26, 2016 at the age of 52. Karen passed peacefully with her husband and son by her side after a four year battle with cancer that she fought with unrelenting determination and courage. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 15 years, Andrew Gabrielson, and her beloved son, Oliver Gabrielson.
Karen was born in Vancouver, the fifth child of Allan Jack Newman and Irene Eleanor Newman on February 18, 1964. Karen was raised in North Delta before moving with her parents in 1977 to South Surrey. Karen graduated in 1982 from North Delta Senior Secondary. Karen qualified as a school teacher in September 1988 before obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in February 1997. Karen practised as a school teacher in British Columbia before commencing employment as a market research analyst with BC Hydro. Karen subsequently was employed as a market research analyst by Market Equity (in Perth, Western Australia) and, upon her return to British Columbia in 2005, by ICBC.
Karen met her husband, Andrew, an Australian, in Vancouver in January 2000, and after a long distance romance that involved travel to Europe, North Africa, Asia and Australia, Karen and Andrew were engaged in Vancouver in July 2000. In November 2000 Karen immigrated to Perth, Western Australia. On July 7, 2001 Karen and Andrew were married in Vancouver and after honeymooning in Canada, Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia, settled in Perth. After pining for some time for colder climes, Karen convinced Andrew to immigrate to Canada in January 2005.
In February 2003, Oliver, Karen's only child, was born in Perth, Western Australia. Karen considered Oliver her life's greatest work and treasure. Karen and Oliver adored and admired each other and an abiding love and bond was formed between them that will survive Karen's passing. Karen especially enjoyed watching Oliver play sports, particularly soccer and hockey.
Karen was an avid and talented sportswoman who enjoyed basketball (in her high school years), running, skiing, tennis and in her later years, cycling. Karen's love of skiing and the outdoors meant that Oliver and Karen spent many hours in Whistler on the mountains. Among Karen's many strengths and endearing qualities was her gentle nature, intelligence, determination, kindness and compassion and love of family and friends. Karen immensely enjoyed social gatherings and her melodic laugh could invariably be heard during such events. Karen loved music and in her later years adopted her mother's affinity for country music.
Besides her loving husband Andrew and her beloved son Oliver, Karen is survived by her sisters Leona Newman and Kaia Sherritt, and her brothers Ross Newman and Carl Newman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Karen was predeceased by her parents Allan Jack Newman and Irene Eleanor Newman and by her sister Lynn Calder.
Karen and her memory will forever be loved, admired and cherished by Andrew, Oliver and the extended Gabrielson and Newman families.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Karen's name to Ovarian Cancer Canada and support be given to the Ladyballs Campaign, http:/ /www.ovariancanada.org/got-ladyballs.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Tenth Church, 11 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a personal condolence.