Karen Ann Jacobson

Today our hearts are broken. Karen Jacobson (nee Colibaba) passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022. She battled cancer in 2006, once again in 2020 and won each time. She managed to remain COVID free for the duration of the pandemic but in December, caught pneumonia, exacerbating her underlying health conditions. Unfortunately, this was something she could not overcome. With that said, it would be wrong to say that she lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Karen and she did not quit even to the end. Some may even call her stubborn😉

Karen was born on February 9, 1947 in Coronach, Saskatchewan, moving to the big city of Saskatoon after her high school graduation to follow her dream of becoming a nurse. It is there where she met Keith, her husband of 49 long hard years ☺ In 1968 they moved to Vancouver to try something new and never looked back. Yay!

Karen worked as a nurse at Royal Columbian but in typical Karen fashion, once her girls were born, put her family ahead of everything. She became a stay at home mom and once her girls were older, went back to work as a dental assistant for over 30 years. In the early 90s she pursued love of helping others and began training as a Shiatsu therapist. Her pursuit of alternative healing was born and she continued to follow that passion right until she caught pneumonia.

Karen was most proud of her grandchildren and would do anything for them. From driving them to their activities, entertaining them, even sewing costumes and fixing clothes at the last minute – all things she would gladly do and would never say no. Now her daughters have to start hemming their own pants. Ugh.

Karen impacted the world not only by her care for her friends and family but for her work as a volunteer. For those who had the pleasure of knowing her, you would know she was a passionate volunteer in the community for over 40 years. She worked in a number of volunteer capacities at the Killarney Community Centre, including President of the Community Association and Treasurer of the Vancouver Angels Ice Hockey Association. Giving of herself was an important part of Karen’s life and something she can be remembered for.

Karen is predeceased by her loving husband, Keith, and survived by her daughters Jaclyn (Wade) and Jennifer (Darren) and her beloved grandchildren Reaghan, Samuel, and Alena. They invite you to join them for a memorial service at Killarney Park Lutheran (3022 East 49th Avenue, Vancouver) on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:30am. All are welcome. Her ashes will be scattered at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either BC Cancer or BC Lung Foundation.

Mom, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.