Karen Kroetsch peacefully passed away with family by her side at Jessica’s House, Exeter on September 5, 2021 at the age of 72.
Karen was born in Kitchener and lovingly raised by her parents Eugene Lippert (1976) and Gladys McDowell (1990). Her brothers Gary (Marg), Ken (Helen), Ron (2007), Glen (Jean) teased and adored her.
At the age of fifteen at Jimmy’s Lunch with her best friend Audrey she met the love of her life Gerard (Butch) Kroetsch. In the spring of 1968, they married, and she was welcomed by her in-laws Arthur Kroetsch (1992) & Gladys Schweitzer (1997), Bob & Phyllis, Shirley & Dave Wendt (2008), Melba & Joe Grubb (2008), Lorne & Caroline, Betty Gross, Sharon & Murray Kropf.
The following winter they celebrated the arrival of their daughter Kathy (Craig Munshaw) and four years later a son Keith (Tara Kroetsch). She became a proud grandmother to Logan, Connor, and Alisha Kroetsch. She will by greatly missed by her nieces and nephews.
Having left school at an early age she worked hard at various jobs, Equitable Life, K-W Record, and the Waterloo Regional Health Unit where she formed lifelong friendships.
When we look at her life in seasons we remember;
Fall – Turkey dinners and baking with Mom’s butter tarts and pies, shopping trips, and restaurant lunches with friends and family
Winter – Family Christmas parties, a house decorated top to bottom (mostly with Angels) and birthday celebrations
Spring – Anniversaries in Niagara Falls, trips to the casino, holiday travels
Summer – Her favorite season. Cottaging at Gould Lake & Doe Lake, camping at Valpine Park and poolside at home with an ice cold pepsi, a good book and her grandchildren playing in the pool.
And even with limitations to her health over the past few years and recently with COVID restrictions, she still enjoyed going out (or escaping lock down) for dinners with family and friends.
This past summer season we as a family were blessed to spend her last few months together at Jessica’s House where she had the care of Angels here on earth with staff and Dr. Jadd. We will be forever grateful for that opportunity.
Keeping with Karen’s wishes cremation has taken place. Due to COVID restrictions a celebration of life or outdoor dedication of Karen will be held at a later date when we can all come to reminisce and enjoy food and fellowship together. Just what she would have loved!
In lieu of flowers donations to Jessica’s House would be greatly appreciated by the family.
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).
Rob Ireland
Our deepest sympathy to Glen, Jean and family on the loss of your sister.
Rob and Gail
Bob and Theresa Parsons
Dear Kathy, Craig and extended family, Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Mom and Grandmother. May your beautiful memories surround you with love, peace and comfort.
Aunt Linda & Murray
Kathy, Craig, Keith, Tara and Family
Sending our condolences – what a beautiful picture of your Mom – exactly the way I remember her, with her mischievous smile
Audrey
So sorry Kathy, Keith and famlies. I will miss her greatly, she was the best friend I ever had!
Peter Grubb
What an incredible aunt…always smiling, laughing with my Dad and sharing her delicious cherry tarts! Sending our condolences to Kathy and Craig, Keith and Tara…take comfort in all those beautiful memories you shared! I often think of those camping days, swimming in the pool and eating many tarts! Rest In Peace Aunt Karen! ❤️❤️❤️ Peter
Melba Grubb
Dear Kathy, Craig, Keith, Tara and family. My deepest sympathy to all of you. She was a special sister-in-law and I will forever remember her infectious laughter and kindness. It was hard to see her at Jessica’s House but I was so impressed by the loving care she received there. She is now free of her suffering and watching over all of you. Cherish all the memories you have.
Love to all.
Dianne Miller
Dear Kathy and Craig. So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
Our prayers are with you.
Mike & Dianne Miller
Phyllis Kroetsch
Dear Kathy and Craig and Keith and Tara and family Sending our sincerest condolences and love to you all Your mom was a special lady and loved by many She is now free of her suffering and is smiling down on you all Hugs and love from aunt Phyllis and uncle Bob