Karen Lynne Finch

Karen was predeceased by her mother Evelyn Finch, (who also had a lifetime battle with multiple sclerosis), her father Stan Finch, and her youngest son Arlo Stanoffsky.

Karen was born on January 27, 1947, and would spend her formative years in Regina. After high school Karen enrolled into nursing ultimately becoming an RN, working in what was the Weyburn psych centre at the time and ultimately at the Grey Nuns hospital in Regina. It was Weyburn where Karen met her husband Roy Stanoffsky, and in 1968 Karen and Roy would start their married life in Regina. Karen had two sons Jason and Arlo, and in 1975 the family would move to Saskatoon where they remained raising their family. Karen continued working as an office nurse as well as pulling double duty as office manager and comptroller for Roy’s rapidly growing sales business.

As Roy was a travelling salesman, Karen on top of her two occupations, was kept extremely busy running her two boys around the city of Saskatoon for hockey or baseball games depending on the season.

1992 Karen was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, which she fought valiantly and courageously for over 30 years refusing to give up or lose her independence.

After the boys graduated from high school, Karen finally found some time on her hands and pursued her life long interest in art. Karen became an accomplished artist using pastels, watercolours, and pencil as her mediums of choice. In addition to her love of art, Karen also hard a great love animals. After moving to Kelowna B.C. in 1999 Karen took in a rescue dog named Bella. It didn’t take long for Karen to notice that Bella had an instinct to zero in on someone who needed a little extra attention because they were down, whenever a friend would visit. So Karen enrolled Bella in a Saint Johns therapy dog course. Upon graduation Karen and Bella became a weekly anticipated team at the seniors residence in Kelona. For eight years Karen and Bella brought much joy and laughter upon their weekly visits, until Bella was retired as a therapy dog.

A good visit with friends was one of the things Karen enjoyed most in life. Always a sympathetic ear, more than happy to work through a problem, or simply be a sounding board. Karen couldn’t get enough of a good visit with friends old and new.

It was in 2018 when Karen returned home to Saskatoon to be close to me. Mom continued to spend time with her artwork, and gardening and visiting with friends until her passing.

Any donations made to the MS Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.

There will be no service.

Arrangements entrusted to David Polzen.