KAREN ROSE STARKE (COOK) (WATTS)

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KAREN ROSE STARKE
(WATTS) (nee COOK)

Peacefully, with her family by her side, on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at the Health Sciences Centre, Karen Starke, aged 69 years of East Selkirk, MB, passed away. Karen survived emergency brain surgery, however she succumbed to complications that followed.
Karen is survived by her husband of 21 years, Herb and children, Kris (Karly), Kailee (Peter), Chris and James. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Sydney, Alexa, Owen, Mason, and Paul. Karen is predeceased by her parents, Mabel and Elmer Cook.
Karen was born on October 9, 1950 in Winnipeg to her loving parents. She was raised in Winnipeg, however, enjoyed many weekends and summers at the family farms in Plumas and Gladstone. Karen graduated from university and pursued a career as a teacher. She had an enriching and diverse career. She worked in preschool all the way up to adult education both in the community and in an institutional setting. While teaching in Northern Manitoba, she met her first love, Ken Watts. They eventually moved to Winnipeg, and together raised their two children, Kris and Kailee. Karen was a dedicated mother and was her children's biggest advocate. She encouraged them through life's celebrations and challenges. She never hesitated to assist in any way and always did so selflessly.
Karen met her true love, Herb in 1997, through a mutual friend. Reflecting on the night they met, she said, "she knew when Herb walked in the door that evening, that he was the one for her". Herb further enrichened Karen's life with two stepsons, Chris and James and granddaughter Sydney. The families quickly united and became extremely close.
Being a grandmother was one of Karen's greatest pleasures. She watched Sydney become a beautiful young adult. She played an active and vital role in the lives of her other grandchildren. She thoroughly enjoyed reading to them and planning exciting activities to do with them when in her care. She was an extremely proud grandma and took so much delight in watching them grow and learn, fully appreciating any time she spent with them.
Karen had a strong passion for any living thing. She had numerous cats and dogs of her own, over the years. She was an early member of the Pawed Pals Animal Rescue in Selkirk. She then became extensively involved with Manitoba Underdogs Rescue (MUR) and dedicated her time, over the past several years, to helping dogs in need. Karen cared for almost 200 dogs during her time with MUR.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue Ltd. to continue Karen's legacy of helping dogs most in need. Please email donations@manitobaunderdogs.org.
Due to the current pandemic, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held.
A Celebration of Life will take place when social distancing doesn't limit guest numbers. If you wish to contribute a short story about Karen, share photos, and/or receive details about the Celebration of Life, please email karenstarkememorial@gmail.com.

Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2020