Karen Kathleen Smith

Karen slipped away gently and peacefully, surrounded by love, to join her beloved parents Jim and Vi Titko and her dear grandparents. Karen was the beloved only sister of Janet Fraser (Jim) of Hamilton. She was adored by her nephew Robert James Lumsden (Christina) of Hamilton and niece Kara Jan Spring of British Columbia. Karen cherished her great-niece Avenue and great-nephews Oshi, Jemiah, Phoenix and Gabriel. She was especially delighted to sing songs and read to them when they were small.

During her many years as a teacher with the former Carleton Board of Education, Karen’s creativity and artistic talent was a gift to her young students. She taught grades 5 and 6 at Merivale Public School where she formed lifelong friendships. Later, near the end of her career, she taught Junior Kindergarten at Castlefrank school. She adored her JK students and we know that her little ‘Smithkins’ will never forget their beloved Ms. Smith.

Karen, who chose the artistic name Karinn, was a creative, musical and artistic soul who found her ‘people’ through the arts! In her early adult years, Karen was lead singer with a rhythm and blues band in Toronto and loved every moment - teaching by day, singing by night. Later, in Ottawa, she was lead singer with a swing band called Big Band Revival. Music touched her soul!

Karen was a longtime volunteer with the Kanata Theatre, where she helped with properties, costumes, dance choreography, makeup and much more. She also volunteered her makeup skills to help cancer patients look their best through the ‘Look Good Feel Better’ programme.

Karen also enjoyed photography and water colour painting. Her handwriting was like beautiful calligraphy.

Karen’s cherished ‘Ottawa family’ included her long-time teaching colleagues - friendships spanning six decades. She also had a theatre ‘family’ who were close to her heart. She had a gift for friendship and was loved by all who knew her ….friends, neighbours, cousins, and close family members.

We are forever grateful to have known and loved Karen, laughed with her, and cried with her. She has made the world a better place by sharing her inner beauty and talents with thousands of children.

We would like to thank the compassionate nurses at the Ottawa General Hospital for their loving care during her last days. We are also grateful to her many friends and neighbours who brought her soup, muffins, and homemade cookies and helped her with groceries, snow shoveling, and rides to appointments …it takes a village. A heart felt thank you goes to her dear long-time friend, Barb, who was there for her day in and day out these past few months.

As per Karen’s request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Avenue East, Hamilton on Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 1 - 4 pm and for family and friends in the Ottawa area at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, Ontario on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 1 - 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

“Karen your earthly work is done ….it is time to rest in the arms of the angels. Rest in peace beautiful sister, auntie, teacher, artist, and friend."