1950 - 2024
Karen Maree Russell passed away peacefully at the Red Deer hospital, surrounded by her family, on October 6th, 2024, at the age of 74.
Karen was born on August 4, 1950, in Calgary, Alberta. She was the second oldest of nine and grew up in the Bottrel, Cremona, and Sundre areas. During her younger years she worked in a number of restaurants as both a server and a cook.
Karen moved to Caroline in 1974 and worked at Caroline Supplies for over 35 years, teaching her family, by example, the importance of work ethic and loyalty. She loved her family with everything she had; they were her pride and joy. Karen also loved birds, bird watching, and drives out west, where she would look for wild animals.
Karen spent the last two weeks in the Red Deer Hospital, and she was feisty up to the very end. With her dry sense of humor, her girls could always make her laugh.
The family wishes to extend a huge thank you to the staff the Red Deer Hospital, especially those at Unit 22. The compassion and kindness they showed Karen and her family was overwhelming.
Karen will be lovingly remembered by her spouse Don Russell, as they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary; daughter, Denise (Brian) Lester; grandchildren, Nicole, Danielle, and Natasha Lester; brother, Albert (Donnalea) Dolan; sisters, Heather (Randy Foster) Dolan, Holly (Grant) Gordon, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends.
Karen was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Ida Dolan; brothers, George, Tim, Bob, Bill; and by her nieces Tamara and Joan.
A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at the Caroline Community Hub (5103 48 Ave, Caroline, AB) on October 16th, 2024, at 1:30 pm. There will be a lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation (3942 50a Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7). Condolences to Karen’s family may be emailed to [email protected]. Please indicate “Karen Russell” in the subject line. Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB 587-876-4944.
