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KARIN ERHARDT
Musician, cellist, pianist, teacher, dog lover, lifelong (almost) ethical vegetarian, chocolate afficionado.
Karin was born two weeks later than expected (perhaps a sign of her lifelong shyness) on June 7, 1958 in Winnipeg. She departed about 20 years earlier than she expected on September 27, 2024, due to a 4-year misadventure with ovarian cancer.
Karin’s career began with a stint as principal cellist of the Windsor Symphony in Ontario. Coming back to roost in Winnipeg, she led a busy and varied life as a freelance cellist performing frequently with the WSO, MTC and Warehouse Theatre, Rainbow Stage, MTYP, MCO, Canzona, and most fondly, 20 years with Musik Barock, under the direction of Erik Lussier. She also probably played for several of your friends’ and relatives’ weddings.
As a teacher of private lessons and as a piano accompanist, Karin greatly enjoyed her yearly mixed bag of students, aged 6 to 80. Karin spent nine years teaching in the WSO sponsored Sistema program, which offered free music instruction to young students in underserved communities. There she learned far more from her budding musicians than she could impart to them.
To my family, thanks for keeping me afloat during my misadventure and more so for putting up with me in my even crankier times. Those teen years lasted well into my 20s!! You are my lifeboat.
To my great pals, musicians and otherwise, heartfelt thanks for the wonderful string quartet/ smorgasbord sessions (when my fingers were numb from chemo), the flowers, dog walking, books, snow shovelling, home cooked meals, incredible hugs and wonderful companionship.
Much gratitude to Dr. Sarah Kean and the team at CancerCare St. Boniface. Each and every one from reception, to all the doctors, NPs, nurses and aides, made this misadventure more tolerable and even interesting (you might as well learn something if you have to experience it).
Finally, thanks to the caring MAiD team for helping to make my exit more graceful than it might otherwise have been.
Karin has joined her beloved dog Sami. In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held. If anyone feels inclined to make a donation to a local animal rescue/shelter or CancerCare Manitoba, Karin will try to send an ethereal hug of thanks.
The family expresses gratitude to Ethical Death Care for their touching photo tribute honouring Karin’s life, accessible through the 'tributes' link at the bottom of this obituary.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 05, 2024, Oct 05, 2024
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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There are no words to describe how much Karen was loved by all of the staff at the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter. Karen would volunteer countless hours at the Shelter, she was always so kind and patient with all of the animals. I would watch her in the puppy pen, getting kisses and her gently stroking their heads until they fell asleep on her. On a personal note I absolutely adored Karen. Apart from our love of animals, Karen and I shared a common interest in music as we were both music teachers at one point. Her and I could spend hours just talking about music and life and although Karen was diagnosed with this terrible cancer, her outlook was always positive when she was here and I will miss her terribly. My condolences go to her brother and family. Karen was a truly wonderful person. Carla Martinelli-Irvine, Founder & Executive Director, Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter. - Posted by: Carla Martinelli-Irvine (Friend) on: Oct 07, 2024
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A class act in Grace, Kindness and Talent. Too soon gone, will live on in our memories. - Posted by: Walter Skakun (Client / Friend) on: Oct 05, 2024
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I do not know this woman, however in saying that, I do know that this woman has helped a lot of underserved children in the inner city learn cello through SISTEMA program, my niece being one of them. Her and the others like her, help these kids develop skills that they would have never had the opportunity to learn and for that, I write this tribute to Ms. Karin. By the way, my niece is now becoming very accomplished with this instrument. Again a heartfelt thank you! - Posted by: Jesse (none) on: Oct 05, 2024
