Karen Marilyn Patrick

AUGUST 19, 1944 (Edmonton, Alberta) – OCTOBER 30, 2024 (North Vancouver, British Columbia)

Karen passed peacefully the morning of October 30 in North Vancouver, British Columbia with family by her side. Karen was born in Edmonton, Alberta to Rolf and Olive (Nourse) Vollan and was predeceased by both of them as well as her brother Maynard. Leaving behind to love and remember her are her daughter Morgan Mallett (Corey Brennan), several cousins, nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends.

Karen was a teacher in Edmonton, Alberta, and then owned and ran her tropical plant store—Plant West—until she moved to Whistler, British Columbia in the late 1970s. After relocating to West Vancouver in the mid-80s, she taught school and was a founding member of W.H.E.N. (Worldwide Home Environmental Network). She was awarded the Canadian Environmental Achievement Award in 1991 for her environmental activism.

Karen moved to North Vancouver in the early 2000s, where she volunteered regularly for the Harvest Project and the Canadian Balance and Dizziness Disorders Society. Karen was feisty, smart, loved animals and was an incredibly caring person. She was an immensely loving and supportive mother, and will be sorely missed. Her legacy of love and helping others will live on in all of those whose lives she touched.

Karen’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov 23 from 2 – 6 pm (speeches will start at 3 pm) at the Music Box in West Vancouver (1564 Argyle Avenue). The event is drop-in, and bright attire is encouraged.

Instead of buying flowers, donations to The David Suzuki Foundation and the BCSPCA are encouraged.