Obituary of Karen Rosalie Giroux

Karen Giroux was born on the First Nations reserve of Driftpile, Alberta to Charles and Violet Giroux. She was second eldest of nine children. Older sister Laura and younger brothers and sisters: Charles, Peggy, Collin, Alberts, Sandra, Lawrence, Helen, Charlie, Elsie, Jackie and Mel..and unofficial adopted brothers Alan and Melvin Courtorielle. She spent the first half of her childhood on the farm and various locations in Alberta, She came with her brothers to live in B.C. with her grandparents Archie and Helen Courtorielle, than later to live with her mother Violet Giroux. Karen made close friends with her cousins and proceeded to quickly find fun and trouble. The numerous fist fights growing up made her a force to be reckoned with, but no worries girls she only fought and beat up the boys. Those fist fights came to a quick end when she was mistaken for a boy and was asked out on a date by a young female admirer. Eventually leading Karen to discard the denim jeans, jacket and t shirts for a more feminine wardrobe. So on came the dresses, heels and makeup look out boys a hottie was born. Karen didn't date for long and through the short trials and tribulations of new love that comes with new relationships Peter Calahasen was to be her exclusive beau.They settled down together and promptly started their family. Karen had her heart set on having more children than her grandparents Archie and Helen of which they had eighteen kids. In 1972 their daughter Monica arrived, four years later Jason made his appearance. Unfortunately her dreams of having twenty plus children couldn't become a reality but with the adoption of Sarah their family was complete. Karen had a gentle heart, a quiet dignity and a fun loving disposition allowing her to make friendships that stood the test of time. Right or wrong she was by your side ready to help you take on the world. Her loyalty and honesty were great attributes of her personality and character. She always had a quick smile and always made time for family or friends.She was generous to a fault but nothing pleased her more than helping out any way she could in any given situation.If you happened to be in her company you were going to have a great visit and rest assured you'd be in for a fun filled laughing time. Karen made many friendships attending her favourite past times such as hockey and at first playing fast ball then moving onto slow pitch. A dedicated first base woman the likes of which any young ball player could aspire to. If she wasn't playing baseball she was watching it on TV her favourite team the Toronto Blue Jays. When the seasons changed it was to cheer on her beloved Montreal Canadians hollering and cussing out the refs and opposing teams the likes of which any sailor would be proud. A passionate fan like no other. But like anyone, get on her bad side and she will let you know it. A good, honest and loyal person you were proud to call friend. Karen passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Monday, September 29, 2014, at the age of 57 years. Prayers were held on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Nawican Friendship Centre, Dawson Creek, B.C. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Nawican Friendship Centre, Fr. Louis Kwena officiated. Interment will be at a later date. Karen was predeceased by her mother and father Violet and Charles Giroux, Brother Albert Giroux, uncles John, Leonard, Collin and numerous other relatives. Karen will be dearly missed by her loving husband Peter. Her children: Monica, Jason and Sarah. Grandchildren Cat, Patine, Dorian, Cassidy, Corbin and Serenity. Sisters and brothers: Laura, Charles, Peggy, Collin, Sandra, Sakkie, Alan, Diane, Paul, Susan, Sharon, Frankie, Lawrence, Helen, Charlie, Elsie, Jackie and Melissa, step mom Linda, numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends. Karen you are and always will be our rock, our confidant and friend. A courageous and brave woman to the end. We will treasure our memories of you and of happier times and know that you will never be forgotten. Just as the sun shines every day so will your memory shine just as bright. We love you Karen Till we meet again. Special Memories of Karen presented by her daughter; Monica. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium