Karen Elaine Sutherland

Whenever you think things are getting too tough to handle, consider these words which were an inspiration to Karen: "If you're going through Hell, keep going" (Winston Churchill).

Since being diagnosed with cancer, Karen rose to the challenge with courage, grit and grace. She passed serenely and gently, surrounded by her loved ones, on June 1, 2016.

Karen's greatest pride and joy was her family, as was she to them. She will forever be held in the hearts of those she loved so dearly.

She is survived by her three daughters Alanna (Adrian Schulz), Elizabeth and Evelyn Junaid - who she raised with their father Asad Junaid; her parents Eva and (John) Ian Sutherland; her three brothers Scott (Lindsay), Mike (Donna) and Eric (Donna) Sutherland and their families, and a plethora of friends.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, George William and Annie Ethelwynne Sutherland, and Conrad Peder Alfrednicolaison and Alette Paula Freko.

Karen was born on November 27, 1960 and was a lucky girl growing up in a family of three brothers. Not having a sister was not a problem for Karen, she merely took her youngest brother Eric and dolled him up. Eric fondly recalls playing with Karen in his favourite green dress. Karen entered school with much enthusiasm and quickly adjusted to a long and accomplished academic journey. Her parents collected many samples of her early attempts at spelling. Fortunately, the proper translation was always written on the back page. Karen's interpretation of "the mouse was too small to nibble the rope" became: "the muose wusted to smool to niddled the robe". Nevertheless, her parents were proud of these achievements and her challenges with spelling never held her back from chasing her dream and becoming a doctor.

Although quiet by nature, Karen was a true adventurist and always made time to enjoy the beauty of nature. On one particular canoe trip with Scott, Lindsay and Eric, after noticing her feet were covered in baby leeches, Karen saw the necessity to jump up onto the canoe seat and strip down in an attempt to de-leech while in the middle of the lake. Unfortunately, no pictures exist to commemorate the moment of the nearly capsized canoe with a dancing Karen on the seat - she sure enjoyed the outdoors! That accomplishment in balance may have been the incentive she needed to pursue the art of ballet which was her passion for much of her teen and early adult years. She shared the love of varied dance forms with her daughters. One only had to look at her posture and grace to imagine her in a performance.

After graduating medical school Karen became a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist working both at Health Sciences Centre and MATC. In 1995 Karen settled full time at MATC and became Medical Director in 2000. She proved to be a thoughtful, caring and intelligent leader to a group of psychiatrists and staff who she valued both for their friendships as well as professional accomplishments and dedication. She never lost sight of her clients as priorities and modeled that for the organization. Her love for her career was never overshadowed by her love for family.

She was always there to host the famous "Sunday Night Dinners" and wow everyone with her restaurant quality meals - she was a great cook! Karen loved to travel, enjoyed fine cuisine, haute couture-shoes were her thing, and had unique and varied tastes in art, music, and literature. Everyone who knew and loved Karen couldn't help but be deeply touched by her gentleness, thoughtfulness, and beautifully kind spirit.

She was a most loving mother to her daughters and son-in-law, a respected physician, leader and friend to her colleagues, a caring and accomplished doctor to her patients, but most of all a beautiful woman who will be greatly missed.

Karen left this earth in the arms of her family and now walks in the warmth of the sun, smiling down at those she loves. She will forever be in our hearts.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster United Church (Maryland and Westminster).

Her family would like to thank her dearest friend, Lesli Shafer who never left her side and was a constant source of comfort and support, along with countless family and friends. The family would also like to acknowledge the wonderful care she received from Dr. Alon Altman and Dr. Tim Hiebert and the incredible staff at Riverview Palliative Care unit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen's memory to the Steven Lewis Foundation (1-888-203-9990).