Obituary of KAREN FONTAINE

KAREN DAWN FONTAINE July 15, 1955 – February 1, 2013 On February 1, 2013, in the presence of her family at the St. Boniface Hospital, Karen Dawn Fontaine passed away peacefully at the age of 57 years after a long-fought battle with cancer. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Brian, her husband of 31 years, as well as her daughter, Ashley, and her son, Kyle. Also left to cherish Karen’s memory are her father, George Cadzow, and her brother, Brian. Karen was predeceased by her mother, Eileen "Bonnie" Cadzow. Karen was born and raised in Winnipeg where she attended Cecil Rhodes School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Later in life, she furthered her education at Academy of Learning College by taking a Business Office Assistant course. She achieved high marks and was considered an Honour Roll student. Karen met Brian while she was working at the Winnipeg Tribune, and they were happily married on June 27, 1981. After the Tribune was permanently closed in August 1980, Karen went on to work at the Centra Gas Company. She worked there until the birth of her daughter in July 1983. While her children were growing up, Karen volunteered at their elementary school, Pacific Junction. She later returned to the workforce as a sales associate for companies like K-Mart and A Buck or Two, which eventually went out of business. The last position Karen held was at Home Outfitters, where she once again worked as a sales associate. Karen was an avid reader, and she accumulated quite a home library over the years. Karen also liked going to concerts, as she enjoyed listening to a wide variety of individual artists, bands, and musicians. Karen also loved to travel, and she visited many different cities in the United States in her early adult years. She also went on many different trips with her family, the most adventuresome being her trip to Europe in August 2011. One of the main highlights of her Europe trip was the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria; she sang along to all of the songs while on the tour bus. The family would like to express a special thank you to the following people: Dr. D. Grenier, Dr. B. Kowaluk, nurse Elaine, and the staff and volunteers at CancerCare Manitoba – St. Boniface Unit; Dr. J. Liu and his staff at the CancerCare Radiology Department; and Dr. S. Hauch, Dr. A. Dhala, and the nurses and health care aides on floor 6A South at the St. Boniface Hospital. Respecting Karen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private gathering amongst immediate family members. Flowers are gratefully declined. Online donations may be made in Karen’s memory to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, or to The Winnipeg Humane Society. Another day has come again As time moves surely on. But nothing now seems quite the same To know that you are gone. The days and weeks and months ahead Will never be the same. Because a treasure beyond words Can never be replaced. You will forever be in our hearts, Karen/Mom. As we always say, "See you in the movies!"