Karen Joanne Selda Lawrence

Karen Joanne Selda Lawrence (Ponka) passed away on December 29th, 2023, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on January 12th, 1953, in Fort William, Ontario, to Edna Ponka (Champagne).

Karen was a devoted mother to her daughters, Jennifer and Tammy. Following Tammy's birth in Fort William, Ontario, the family moved to picturesque Vancouver Island to a tiny town, Gold River, where the girls spent their formative years. Later, they settled in Campbell River, where she lived for more than 40 years.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Jennifer and husband Glen, her beloved granddaughters Mercedes (husband Nick) and Madisson, and great-grandchildren Luca, Milana, and Ethan. Predeceased by her cherished daughter, Tammy, Karen found solace in her two grandsons, Wyatt and Gabe (their dad Mike). Tammy's friend Brenda provided a source of comfort and support after Tammy's passing.

Karen was an absolute animal lover, and her compassionate heart extended to all living beings. Her green thumb was evident in the vibrant garden she lovingly cultivated. Karen's baking talents were a delight to her family and friends.

Raised on the family homestead in South Gillies, Ontario, Karen learned Finnish from her beloved grandmother, Aiti. The family farm, a cherished legacy, passed down generations, remains in the family after a century, a testament to Karen's deep-rooted connection to her Finnish Heritage. Her grandparents Matti and Lydia Ponka immigrated from Finland in 1924, and their beautiful property was Karen's favorite retreat, the farm, the sauna, and especially her grandmother, Lydia Ponka (Aiti).

Karen was a seasoned traveler, exploring the United States and Canada extensively with her daughters and later venturing to Mexico, the Caribbean, Asia and South Africa. Singapore held a special place in her heart, and she always encouraged others to experience its wonders. Her last big adventure was Mercedes and Nick’s wedding in Scottsdale Arizona in 2019, where she had a wonderful time with her family, and many laughs later about the scorpion her and Glen killed with hairspray and a cowboy boot.

In addition to her immediate family, Karen is survived by her siblings: Joanne Forbes, Dianne Champagne, Barbara Wells, Robert Champagne, Gary Champagne, Angella Walls and their partners and family who she loved dearly. She shared a special bond with her sister Joanne and sister-in-law Mary from Tucson, AZ, who will deeply miss her. Karen's close friends, Peter Amore, Kat Lohr, Melody Auld her cherished companions will miss her. Thursday nights at the casino for dinner and gambling with her friends was among her weekly highlights.

Karen was blessed with caring neighbors, Willy and Joanne Hart, who watched over her and were always there for her.

Karen dedicated her life to hard work, culminating in her final career as Head Cook at Lake View Youth Detention, where she formed many friendships.

A graveside service to celebrate Karen's extraordinary life will take place on January 12th, her birthday, at noon at Elk Falls Cemetery, 7452-7852 Gold River Hwy, Campbell River, at the burial site next to her daughter Tammy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the SPCA or the cancer lodge in Victoria.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Morrison, Dr. Proctor, Rebecca, Faith, and the entire staff at Campbell River Cancer Care and the Specialists at Royal Jubilee Hospital, for their unwavering support during Karen's challenging journey.

Karen had enormous strength, and resilience, and the Finnish word “Sisu” is the perfect word. Predeceased by many family members, Karen will be joyously reunited with Tammy, Her Mom, Uncle Artu, Aunt Trudy, Uncle Teddy, Cousin Butchy, Aiti, all her pets, and many others she loved who entered heaven before her.

May she rest in eternal peace, and. . . . until we meet again Mom, I love you! xoxo.