Karen Irene Hemmingson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear mother, wife, sister, and friend, Karen Hemmingson, on August 29th, 2026.

Born in Nelson, BC June 1, 1960, Karen was the youngest of three children, raised alongside her beloved sisters, Laurel Smith and Billie-Marie Murray. Throughout her life, Karen was known for her intelligence, warmth, kindness, and keen sense of observation, but perhaps most of all for her unfailing sense of humor. She was a comforting and joyful presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Karen pursued her undergraduate studies at Carleton University in Ottawa. Her early love for language and culture led her to St. Pierre and Miquelon, as well as an exchange program in Sweden. After university, she worked as a welfare worker for the City of Toronto, before pursuing further studies in planning—a field that would define her professional life.

Her career eventually brought her back to British Columbia, where she worked in government in Victoria and Vancouver, including at Terra Housing. She ultimately joined BC Housing, where she built a long, distinguished, and meaningful career.

Along the way, Karen met Frank, and together they welcomed their daughter, Kristen, a role she cherished deeply. Shortly after kristen was born, they packed her up at 18 months old and traveled through Malaysia and Indonesia

Later in life, Karen rekindled her early romance with Carlos, and they married in Portugal in 2020. Together, Carlos and Karen shared beautiful and happy years exploring Europe and making lasting memories with family and friends.

Karen embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. She loved traveling, exploring the mountains, reading, photography, learning about housing, and spending time with cats. She was rarely still for long, whether traveling for work or setting off on a personal adventure—including a memorable year-long sabbatical that took her around the world.

After her cancer diagnosis in 2000, Karen’s spirit remained unyielding. Surrounded by the love and support of her family and wide circle of friends, she refused to let illness define what was possible. If anything, her diagnosis strengthened her determination to embrace life fully and make the most of every opportunity. She went on to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, and climb in the Dolomites - always seeking the next adventure and embracing life along the way.

When she wasn't traveling the globe, Karen found immense peace and healing on the Sunshine Coast at her much-loved cabin near Secret Cove. She cherished her time there hiking, visiting farmers' markets, attending the annual writers' festival, and taking in all that nature had to offer.

Karen’s curiosity, warmth, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by her husband, Carlos; her daughter, Kristen; her sisters, Laurel and Billie; and the many friends and colleagues whose lives she touched.

Karen’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the incredible staff at the Lions Gate Hospital Pain and Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care, especially in her final days

A special thank you to her daughter for caring for Karen in unimaginable ways since her re-diagnosis in 2021. To Carlos, for showing her what love and pure happiness meant. And to her family and friends, whose unwavering love, kindness, and presence brought Karen comfort, strength, and so many moments of joy.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at First Memorial Funeral Service, 1505 Lillooet Road North Vancouver, BC V7J2J1, on Tuesday,September 08, 2026 at 2:00pm.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Karen's memory to the RAPS Cat Sanctuary (catsanctuary.ca)