Karen Linda Smith

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Karen Smith on April 11, 2026, at the age of 68. Karen was a longtime resident of Prince George and will be remembered for her compassion, dedication and quiet strength.

Karen was the eldest of four children and spent her formative years living in a number of communities, including Vancouver Island, California, Prince George and Quesnel. This early exposure to different places and ways of life helped shape her open-mindedness and curiosity about the world. She caught the travel bug at an early age, travelling to Australia as an exchange student at just 15 years old—an experience that sparked a lifelong love of exploration and connection across cultures.

Karen devoted her career to helping others as a medical doctor, serving her community with care and professionalism until her retirement. Her work touched many lives and she carried that same kindness, humility and attentiveness into her personal life.

A thoughtful and science-minded individual, Karen also nurtured a deep appreciation for the arts, which brought balance and richness to her life. She found great joy in travelling the world alongside her husband, creating cherished memories through their shared adventures. At home, she enjoyed creative and peaceful pursuits including cross-stitching, quilting, sewing, weaving and playing the piano—pastimes that reflected her patience, skill, and attention to detail.

Karen is lovingly remembered by her husband Keith “Smitty” Smith; her daughter Jennifer Smith; her parents Betty and Dale Burley; her sisters Brenda Burley (Patrick) and Valerie Evans (Dan); and her brother Greg Burley (Shelese); as well as many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society in her memory.

Her memory will be forever cherished by those whose lives she touched.

~Karen~

First to be born. The one to pave the way. Four years - the Only. Then three more to come.

Greg and Brenda. Then finally Val. Big sister - like a mother. Admired and loved.

A teen girl with dreams. Adventurous and brave. A year in Australia. The world was in sight.

Scuba diving found her love. Smitty stole her heart. Partners in life. Best friends until death.

A baby to come. Sweet Jennifer was born. A mother’s love took great care. But roles - they had to change.

Eleven o’clock each Sunday. A chat an hour long. A mother and her baby. A bond not ever broken.

Dad so proud of who she became. Determined and bright as could be. Report cards straight A’s. Doctor her title but daughter to him.

A brilliant mind with gentle hands. Creator of beauty and healing. Needles and thread. Cross stitch and sutures.

Goodbye our sweet Karen. A life cut too short. Cancer that robs. Our hearts are left broken.