KAREN KAUFMANN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KAREN KAUFMANN Karen Kaufmann passed away peacefully on February 4, 2013 at the St. Boniface Hospital, after a brief illness, with her children at her side. She was predeceased by her loving husband Ivan in 2006, and son-in-law Clark McCrae in 2004. Karen was born in Denmark on November 23, 1924, and was raised by her grandparents. Although she was an excellent student, things were tough in the 1930s in Denmark and she had to leave school at age 14, and go to work to help the family. In 1942, at age 18, Karen and her sister Carla moved to Kolding to work at the Missions Hotel as a chambermaid and waitress. They worked in the hotel through the war years, and Karen met Ivan when the Danish Brigade was stationed there in 1945. The story goes that Karen offered to mend Ivan's uniform, which was full of holes. They subsequently fell in love and were married in 1946. They lived on Fejo and Bogo during the first eight years of their marriage, where three children Per (Peter), Hanne (Hanna) and Soren (John) were born. In 1954, Karen and Ivan decided to move to Canada to pursue a better life for themselves and their children. Ivan was 33 years old, Karen 29. Ivan and his friend Egon Pedersen sailed first, and Karen, the three children and Gerda Pedersen sailed three months later. Neither Karen nor Gerda spoke English. The two young women and three children sailed to New York, then on to Winnipeg by rail. Karen and Ivan shared 60 wonderful years together living in Winkler, Souris, Thompson and Winnipeg. The family of five has grown and spread to three continents; there are 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom had visits with their grandmother in the last few weeks of her life. Karen and Ivan moved to the Kiwanis Chateau in early 2000, and loved their life there. Karen moved to Villa Cabrini in 2010, where she enjoyed making new friends. She loved to bake and cook, knit and sew. Her Danish rye bread was famous and loved by so many people! Above all else, Karen was the most unselfish, generous and giving person, always thinking of others before herself. Mom was the most wonderful mother we three kids could have, and we will miss her so much. The whole family mourns her passing: Peter (Sandra), two sons Christopher (Alyssia) and Mark (Eunhye) and their daughter Serene; Hanna (Gary), Hanna's five children: Jason, three sons Chase, William and Scott; Jeffrey (Denise), children Johnathan and Hannah; James, son Andrew; Jonathan (Andrea), daughter Jayden; Jody (Andrew), children Harry and Molly; John and daughter-in-law Donna, three children: Jennifer (Nebojsa), daughter Selina; Sarah (Scott) and Daniel. Special thanks to Lissen Lockwood, a lifelong friend of the family, who stayed with us during our vigil with our Mom during the last days. We are so grateful for your love and friendship. Mom and Dad are together again, probably organizing a bridge tournament in heaven. Thanks to the special care Karen received during the last few weeks of her life, both at the Health Sciences University Hospital in Edmonton, and later at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery) at 2:00 p.m. If so desired, donations may be made in Karen's name to the Danish-Canadian Club, Scandinavian Centre, 764 Erin St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 2W4. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Feb 7, 2013

KAREN KAUFMANN Peacefully, on Monday, February 4, 2013, with family by her side, Karen passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 88 years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery) at 2:00 p.m. Longer notice to follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Feb 6, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2013