Karen Anne Syme (nee Kwasnica)
30 Aug 1947 – 19 Jan 2021
Karen, at age 73, died suddenly and peacefully at home with her husband Stuart at her side. They met in high school at the age of 14 and had been married for 40 years on 27 December just passed.
Karen Anne Kwasnica was born in Kelowna, eldest child of Steve Kwasnica and Irene (nee Rose), long- time Oliver residents also both deceased. Karen is survived by her husband Stuart Syme, her children Wes Gale (Jen Alder) and Nadia Gale (Charles Hoare), her step-son Ian Syme, her grand-daughter Phaedra Gale (Louis Au), her step-grand-son Benjamin Syme, her siblings Marie Leiren, John Kwasnica, and David Kwasnica (Lynn Price), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Karen was a voracious reader who owned not only an extensive collection of first editions, but eight feet of library dedicated to leather bound classics and three overfull Kindle DX’s – the only model she would use. She studied Biology and Physics, not formally, but as a hobby. When a dear friend, who at the time was in his last year of seminary, visited for tea and said that they had been studying Spinoza that week, she instantly asked which of the following translations were they reading and not waiting for an answer, expressed her opinion about the best and worst. When she met her new son-in-law, her first question was “What is your philosophy of life?” He wisely responded, “What is yours?” and she judged him a ‘keeper’.
Karen was a questioner, a thinker, and a seeker of truth. Karen was Mother Earth – there was never an animal that did not instantly bond with her. Karen was a gardener and every plant was fitted with wheels until they found a permanent place where they could thrive. Each of them had their histories recorded in hand-written notes organized in three-ring binders. A computer might have been better suited to that task but computers were not to be trusted. Karen was unable to add a column of numbers without a calculator – and she did not trust a calculator that did not produce a written record – which made her perfectly suited to be a bookkeeper and, though not a papered accountant, a self-trained accountant who handled the financial records of several companies over the years. Her first job was as a lifeguard and nanny to a family of five who spent theirm summer on Lake Simcoe. Her earnings funded the material for her to make her own wardrobe for school. Her most-loved job was on a working farm that housed and helped young offenders and emotionally scarred youth.
Karen was an air-force brat and became an Army wife. You may have met her in Borden, North Bay, Marville, Burnaby, Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, Penhold, Ottawa, Oliver, or Grand Forks.
You would remember.
There will be a celebration of life and a chance to tell true tales when we can all travel again. Should you wish to donate in Karen’s name then the family suggests lupus, diabetes, or heart-health research.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Pat Hampson says
Very sad; Stuart, my thoughts are with you and the family.
keith johnson says
So sad to hear. My condolences to the family, especially my good friend John, Karen’s brother.
Gail Blidook says
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Stuart.We first met Karen and Stuart when we were seated with them at a Park Place Community dinner soon after they became residents there. Ken’s mother resided there and as co-owners, Ken and I appreciated Karen’s perspective and judgement on issues that affected strata owners. She was a wise, caring and perceptive woman. In later years I experienced her advice and discernment on a more personal level. She will be sadly missed. Our hearts are with you all in your time of loss.
Father John Macquarrie says
Dear Stuart and family, Judy and I remember all the good times living next door to the Butchart Gardens of PMQ patches Rigel Road, Ottawa. I say this because Karen and her faithful hewer of wood and drawer of water, Stuart, had crafted the most beautiful gardens in Ottawa. They are gone now, as is our Karen, and we feel bereft. Karen was a rare gift in a world that is so uncertain. Not so with our Karen. She had a profound goodness within her that she translated into making the world that much more beautiful. Karen was what the First Nations would call a “wise woman”. More importantly, she was funny! We loved to have tea with our beloved neighbours, sitting in the paradise of their garden. Good times, good times. For all who loved Karen, and there are so many, know that we join you in that love. Our lives remain enriched by her quiet chuckle and warm eyes. Thanks Karen. Love John and Judy Macquarrie.