Of Goderich, in her 76th year, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on December 3rd 2022 at Alexandra Marine & General Hospital.
Karen, daughter of the late Eldora and Bob Kompf, was born and raised in Stratford Ontario, and was a dedicated teacher with the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board for over 30 years. Karen was very active in her parish community and was an enthusiastic member of the CWL.
Karen found peace tending to her lush gardens, enjoying breathtaking sunsets over Lake Huron, winters in Florida, a good book, and hours of laughter and cards with friends.
Karen was always quick to flash her beautiful smile, give a cheerful hello, and was always eager to engage in great conversation.
The tremendous strength and courage Karen displayed throughout her life will always be admired by her family and friends, along with her unwavering faith and acceptance of her diagnosis.
Without a doubt, Karen loved and lived for her family.
Soul mate to Kevin Wade, her husband of 53 years, proud mother to daughter Kelli-Anne Phillips (Mark) of Flower Mound, Texas, son Rob Wade (Russlyn) of London, Ontario, and daughter Cathy McLlwain (Kevin) of McDougall, Ontario.
Karen absolutely adored her grandchildren John, Nicole, Anson, Alex and Hillary, and loved her siblings, the late Michael Kompf (Sandy), Jim Kompf (Kathy), and the late Jayne Horwath (nee Kompf), along with countless extended family members including cousins, nieces and nephews.
Karen’s inspiring life will be celebrated Tuesday, December 6th, at St. Peter’s Church in Goderich at 11am, with visitation at the church beginning an hour before at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Shared by Garry & Marlene Burke
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Erinn Mulhern-Gilbert
My deepest condolences for your loss. I remember Mrs. Wade (as I knew her) as a kind and gentle soul at the school when I was a child growing up in Goderich :). She had a truly lovely and enduring spirit. Deepest sympathies at this time.
Genevieve Madden
My sympathies to you Kevin, and to your children, Kelli, Robert, Cathy and your grandchildren.
I just found out last night (December 29th) as I read through the Goderich Obituaries, that your beautiful Karen has passed away. Shock and then tears. I hold such fond memories so long ago with Karen, of her sharpness, her wit, her gorgeous smile and so very kind. Her skin was so radiant.
Her battles that wouldn’t leave her body alone, is now over. Her welcome wagon that greeted her in heaven was huge, and one of those dear souls, was my mom, Genevieve Madden. Kevin and family, there are no words that can truly comfort what you are still going through, but please know that so many are with you in heart, and with such wonderful family members and dear friends, you will get by each day, and Karen will always be with you every moment of your days ahead.
From my siblings and I that met Karen so many times over the years, we send our heartfelt condolences.
The Madden’s and Drake’s
Roger & Maureen Smith
Kevin & family: So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a kind and gracious lady and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sharron Durst
Dear Kevin & family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Karen was such a beautiful person inside & out.
Hugs, Sharron
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to Kevin and family.
Jim & Mona Mulhern
Rosemary Beange
To Kevin, Kelli, Rob, Cathy & family. Our sincere condolence to you
on the passing of Karen. She was such a sweet lady to converse with.
Cherish your wonderful memories. She will be missed. May she Rest In Peace.
Allan & Rosemary
Theresa (Terry) Dick
Kevin and Family -So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. You are in my thoughts at this very difficult time. She was such a wonderful women.
Sharon Brown
Dear Kevin and family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to your family on the loss of Karen. Her beautiful smile and fun conversation greeted us all and will be remembered. We had many talks over our years of teaching about young ones and we laughed over the students antics. She will be missed Sharon Brown
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Kevin and family – You are close in our hearts – no words to express our sadness – our prayers are with each of you.
Karen – her life – a beautiful gift – to all- She will always be in our hearts – We are so blest – that each of you are special in our lives. Her faith – a strength to all whose lives she touched. Forever remembered – and forever loved.
Love Cecelia and Don
Garry & Marlene Burke
Dear Kevin, Kelli, Rob, Cathy, and all your families,
Can’t image your journey. I am usually neve ever lost for words, but today I am. Karen was such a beautiful, kind, loving, kindred spirit . We had so many awesome talks, and laughed and cried together. Her wisdom. Her Courage. Her Empathy for others . Her amazing welcoming smile . Her love for her family. Remember you Kevin, always calling Karen, “My Bride”. So loved that !!! Garry and I are so very thankful, God has crossed our paths. We are truly blessed !!! Remember : ” The Heart beats, The Mind thinks; The Body feels; only for a time …… The soul however, our very essence lives on , forever !!!!That is how we find each, when it is our time to go ” Kindest and Loving regards Marlene & Garry
Joe Scanlon
Kevin, I was so happy to have met you and Karen at Four Seasons 4 years ago. It is true that Karen had a beautiful smile and disposition. May God bless you and give you strength as you go forward. Karen RIP
Claire Reynolds
Our sincere condolences to all of the Wade Family, we were very saddened to hear of Karens passing, she was a lovely woman, who always had a bright smile and a kind word to say, asking about the family and stopping to chat!
Megan and Dean had the privilege of having her as a teacher, her kindness always showing through in many ways, she was one of the good ones!!
Although Karen had to fight hard and valiantly with her health, you would have never known it, she always kept a brave face and never let it get her down, she carried on… She has earned this rest, and may she be at peace in it,, remember all the good times you had and know she will always be watching over you all.
Mike, Claire, Megan, Dean and Katryna Reynolds
Margaret Cook
Sincere condolences to Kevin, Cathy and the Wade families on Karen’s passing. She was a kind, compassionate woman who truly enjoyed all people. Will miss seeing her beautiful smile. Çherish your wonderful memories of her.
Peggy Allin
Kevin and family: my sincerest condolences to Kevin and family. Karen was a neighbour who my dogs loved to visit when she was out in the garden. Her smile and happy greetings will be missed always.
Karla Hogan
My sincere condolences Kevin, Kelli, Rob, Cathy and your families. Karen was always so friendly, kind and interested in life whenever we met. She was a truly lovely soul who will now be spreading her light and goodness in Heaven. May your many wonderful memories help you at this difficult time. Rhonda, Tom, Tammy, Dennis and Karla Hogan
Susan Franken
Very sad news of Karen’s passing. My sincere condolences to her family.
Rosemary Beange
Kevin, so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Our condolence to you, Kelli, Rob, Cathy
and family. Cherish your wonderful memories and hold them close to your heart.
She was a great lady. She will be an angel from above watching over you. May
she Rest In Peace.
Allan & Rosemary
Jennifer Maloney
Kevin and family. We are so very sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a lovely lady. We send our sincere condolences.
Jennifer Maloney and Vic Simmons
Michelle & David Smith
To Kevin & Family
Karen was a sweet, patient & lovely lady. Our 3 kids were blessed to have her as their kindergarten teacher. She was wonderful! Our prayers & thoughts are with all of you.
Ron & June Corriveau
Kevin, Kelli, Rob, Cathy and family: We are so sorry to hear that Karen your Wife and Mom has passed away. She was such a kind wonderful women, with a smile that would light up the room. Great neighbors way back when our kids were young, helped with the baby sitting which was a challenge some days. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have met her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Ron & June
MaryAnne SUNDERLAND
Rob, Russlyn, and Anson,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom and Grandmother.
Remember the good times, her smile, her laugh, and her love for you all.
She will be with you in your heart forever.
Mary Anne
Laurie Thomson
So sad to hear of the passing of Karen. Karen always had a sweet smile and will be greatly missed. Please know that we will be praying for your family during this difficult time.
Doug and Laurie Thomson.
John McGrath
Kevin and family: Saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was always so pleasant when I ran in to her around town taking the time to stop and chat. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
John
Judy and Paul Kelly
Kevin and family
We are very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. A beautiful, kind lady with a smile that would light up a room. Hold all your wonderful memories close to your heart.
May she Rest In Peace.🙏
Mark and helen walsh Walsh
Our boca shore freind god bless and rest in peace
Christine (Kerr) McWhinney
I was saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. Our 3 girls all had Mrs. Wade as their first teacher and remember her fondly and even came back to help her with the younger students. She has earned her rest and fought the fight. keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Elinor Clarke
Dear Kevin and family—-We are deeply saddened with the passing of Karen and we share in your sorrow. Our deepest condolences to you and your families. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to all of you. We have so many wonderful memories of Karen. Try to be strong through these most difficult days ahead.
David Cann
Karen was a friend and colleague. In the many years she taught kindergarten, her light touched the children that she encountered including my own daughter who has fond memories of the care and affection she so generously received from her first teacher. Working in Karen’s classroom was a treat. Always cheerful, Karen’s effervescent personality was a breath of fresh air. It was an honour and pleasure to work with her. To Kevin & family, we express our deepest condolences. Take comfort knowing that Karen’s light is now making heaven brighter and she will always be present in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, David Cann and Many Ann Hogan
Sue Havitz (Shantz)
Amazing cousin. Always the most fun at our annual Shantz reunions in Goderich. She had as much fun as the kids did, maybe that was the teacher in her. Always laughing, smiling, positive, never heard a mean or negative word from her. Someone you wanted to be around as she made you feel good. Visited last summer at cousin Charlene’s home and was a wonderful mini reunion with Marianne as well. So happy we all got together to catch up and reminisce. Karen’s family were all so very fortunate to have her as their Mom, sister, wife, grandmother, friend, cousin, aunt, even though we would’ve loved another 20 + years with her, we’re very thankful and blessed to have had her in our lives as long as we did. A life well lived and loved and will be dearly missed.
Shirley Johnson
Kevin and family, so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing.
She will be missed by us terribly.
She would greet us while working in her gardens with a beautiful smile when we passed by walking our little dog.
She always took time to chat.
Please let us know if we can do anything to help.
May God grant you His peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Eric Mccully
Karen was a great lady who touched the hearts of everyone she met.She will be greatly missed.God Bless and May she RIP.
Mike Jeffrey
Kevin and family, my sympathy. Karen was such a lovely person, always a smile
and kind gesture. May she RIP
Robin Muir
I remember Karen’s kindness and friendliness, big smile and the welcoming greetings, and I remember her wonderful singing at a Christmas dinner at her parent’s house. She’ll be sadly missed by all of her family and friends and I will remember her fondly.
Robin
Lisa Fanjoy
Karen had such an amazing energy and positivity. She cared about everyone so much, and you could truly feel it. The world has lost an amazing light; there will be an extra bright star in skies. Condolences to the entire Wade family and everyone who loved her.
Marion MacDonald
Karen will forever be in our heart and memories.
Hope you’ll be able to take comfort in your positive memories of her over time.
Olivier&Marion
Sue Swan
I wish to extend my condolences in the loss of Karen, such a lovely lady with an endearing smile . She will be greatly missed by all whom love her 💜 Rest well dear Lady .
Carol Lahey
Dear Kevin and family,
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you. No one knows what to say at these times. Virtual hugs to all of you. We know that you will always have wonderful memories of Karen. Lou and Carol Lahey
Madg Culleton
So sorry Kevin to hear of your loss. Condolences to you and your family
Jackie Merner
Sorry to hear about your Mom Rob she was a exceptional person and I only meet her at your wedding and shower’s for Russlyn .
Keep her close to your heart and memories will always be there .
My condolences to Your Family.
Jackie Merner ( Russlyn’s Aunt )
Evie Shand
Dear Kevin, Kelli, Rob, Cathy and Families,
Words cannot begin to express my deep sadness for the loss of your beautiful wife, mother and grandmother. She was a lovely lady and a true friend. We enjoyed meeting for our monthly breakfast get togethers and off course, our bi weekly wine dates with the ladies. Indeed, any excuse to gather and gab was always well attended. Our circle is now broken and we will sorely miss our dear friend but she will always be in our hearts and her name always on our lips.
Please accept my most loving and sincere condolences at this time.
God Bless 🙏🙏
Evie Shand
Kelly & Bill Leddy
Kevin, Cathy, Kelli & Rob & family
Our hearts are SO sadden to hear about Karen’s passing. We are all going to miss her bright light, her genuine kindness & positive outlook on life.
Keeping you all close in our hearts & prayers🙏 Hugs Kelly & Bill Leddy
Fred and Sandrao Bussey
Our hearts share in your sadness at the news of Karen’s passing! We have many wonderful memories of times and laughter shared at Four Seasons in Florida as well as in your home in Goderich. We will always have a special treasured memory of ‘not playing with a full deck’! Her beautiful spirit will be sadly missed! Please accept our sincere condolences and our prayers for peace as you journey through this valley.
Nancy White
My sincere sympathy to Karen’s family and friends. She was a lovely lady
Wayne Bouck
Karen was such a lovely, thoughtful woman. I enjoyed every conversation I had with her, RIP. To Kevin and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Roseanne Lovett
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful woman. Kind and generous a truly beautiful lady inside and out. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Roseanne Lovett and family
Harman/Jacques Cathy/Gaetan and Pauline
Our Family sends our deepest condolences to you Kevin, Kelli, Rob, and Cathy. 💞💞