Karen Ann Laforest

Karen Ann Laforest (née Morris) passed away peacefully in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 3, 2025, at the age of 65, after a long and bravely fought battle with cancer. Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, on December 5, 1959, Karen was known for her quiet strength, kindness, and steady presence in the lives of those around her.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her devoted husband, Phil Laforest, her loving companion of 30 years. Karen is also survived by her parents, Leroy and Margaret Morris; siblings: Kevin Morris (Debbie), Glenda Pearson (Kevin), and Greg Morris-Poultney (D’Arcy); in-laws Collette Snow (Wayne), Simone Laforest, and Marcel Laforest (Teressa); and her nieces and nephews: Andrew Morris, Rebecca Burnside, Jeanette Sullivan, Johnathan Morris-Poultney, Jasper Morris-Poultney, Ryan Snow, Holly Snow, Matthew Laforest, and Madeleine Laforest. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Jaclyn Hennessey, whose memory she carried in her heart for many years. She was also predeceased by her grandparents Glenford and Janet Morris, Frank and Geraldine Gallant, and her father-in-law Edward Laforest and mother-in-law Edith Laforest. Karen leaves behind extended family and many friends who will remember her with great affection.

Karen graduated from Amherst Regional High School, where she also earned a certificate in Business Education. She studied accounting at Saint Mary’s University. She began her career at Indal in Amherst before joining the provincial government in Halifax where she worked as an accountant with Industrial Estates Limited, the Department of Economic Development, and Nova Scotia Business Inc., where she served as an accounting supervisor before retiring in 2017. Her colleagues appreciated her thoughtful approach, dependability, and professionalism.

With a lifelong commitment to healthy living, Karen was also a strong advocate for physical fitness. She trained as a fitness instructor and went on to teach aerobics at the YMCA in Amherst and later worked at NuBody's in Halifax. Among her many passions was music – she studied the clarinet in her youth, and music remained an important part of her life, especially through her love of attending concerts. Karen also had a gentle nature and a deep affection for animals, with whom she shared a special connection. She loved to travel, spend time with her family, and create lasting memories. More than anything, Karen cherished her role as a mother, and to her daughter Jaclyn she was a constant source of love, comfort, and endless devotion.

Karen’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Hospice Halifax, the palliative care teams at the Victoria General Hospital and the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre, and to her dedicated oncologist, Dr. Morgan. Their kindness, expertise, and gentle care provided comfort and dignity during Karen’s final journey, and their support meant so much to her and to her loved ones.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 15th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive in Halifax, and a funeral service will follow at the same location on Monday, June 16th, at 2:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place later at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Sackville. Family flowers only, please. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to Hospice Halifax hospicehalifax.ca, the Victoria General Hospital through the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation qe2foundation.ca, or to a charity of your choice.

Karen will be remembered with love, respect, and lasting appreciation by all who knew her. She is now at peace, reunited with her beloved daughter, Jaclyn.