KAREN DIRKS

Karen battled cancer the same way she lived her life: with love, positivity, strength, and humour. She never let a good compliment go unsaid, and she meant it when she said it. She saw the bright sides of people and problems. She was brave, and kept her body moving through thick and thin. And she never stopped cracking funny jokes.

Over the years, Karen filled our memories with her signature humour. Only those closest to her understood her "mother of three, two that are wonderful" shtick (spoiler: all three of her "sweet peas" - Melissa, Emily, and Riley - were wonderful, and she demonstrated her love for them every minute of every day). All her friends benefitted from her hilarious daily travel updates. Travel pictures were always taken from the right angle (she would let you know otherwise) and filled with big smiles and laughter.

Of course, she was always accompanied by her lifelong "best travel partner ever" husband Pat. They shared a beautiful love and, together, they adventured the world. Some times by car, other times by plane or train, and often by bike. They brought their kids to Europe more times than their bank balance suggested they should have, and taught them to be open to the different ways life is lived around the world.

When she wasn't travelling (which almost seemed like a rarity, especially after her "Freedom 54 and 1/3" retirement), she liked getting into minor bouts of mischief. She probably learned how to do that growing up tied at the hip with her beloved sister Joanie. Other frequent offenders included her "Rummoli Girls" and her lifelong friends made working at McDonalds and George N. Jackson. Her favourite bouts of mischief started with a Manhattan made by Pat, and laughter was the common thread.

Karen was loving, bubbly, brave, and always had a big hug for the people she treasured. When she wasn't in the right city to deliver the hug herself, she would delegate responsibility to someone she trusted to do it right (a great honour to have bestowed upon you).

A come-and-go celebration of life is planned for 5 to 9 pm on April 21 at Trans Canada Brewing. In lieu of flowers, please cheers a Manhattan with a loved one or donate to CancerCare Manitoba.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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