Karen Marie Johannesson
elevated 0GyZw September 13, 1958 ~ September 17, 2026
elevated 0GyZw Visitation
Monday, September 28, 2026
11:00am – 12:30pm
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5
elevated 0GyZw Funeral Service in Room
Monday, September 28, 2026 at 12:30pm
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5
elevated 0GyZw Private Cremation
elevated 0GyZw Memorial Donations
CAMH
Kidney Foundation
elevated 0GyZw Obituary
Our dear Karen passed peacefully in her sleep on the morning of September 17th, 2026 at Etobicoke General Hospital after a courageous battle with both kidney disease and cancer.
She fought hard to be here for one final birthday which she enjoyed immensely with loved ones by her side.
Karen was the cherished first born of Kathleen and Ronald who have pre-deceased her. She leaves behind her siblings, Linda and Paul (wife Bess, and treasured nephews Christopher and Parker); friends who felt like family —Nancy, Marina, and Anne; and many friends, neighbours, relatives, and colleagues from across her 68 years.
While Karen was born in Fort William (Thunder Bay), she spent the great majority of her life living in Etobicoke, where she made friends, attended St. Benedict’s, Thistletown Collegiate, and then later Seneca College. She worked for some of Canada’s notable companies: K-Mart, Simpsons, Bata, IBM, Cadbury, General Mills and she truly enjoyed her 12 years at Metal Koting where she worked prior to retirement.
Karen expressed herself through a number of creative outlets like singing, painting, sewing and crocheting… She loved her time with friends and family, sharing a coffee or a meal, or celebrating a special occasion … She was always up for a friendly phone chat, a good crime thriller, time at the family cottage, a meal out, a bright new lipstick, or an opportunity to find a bargain in one of her favourite stores.
Her warmth, love, kindness, and bright optimism will be missed more than words can say. Her passing leaves a deep void in our hearts, but we hope that, in time, it will be filled with the sweet and cherished memories we shared with her.
We will hold a simple celebration service in keeping with her wishes where she has asked to be cremated and laid to rest there in the cemetery beside her Mom and Dad.
PLEASE – NO FLOWERS.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KIDNEY FOUNDATION of Canada or a mental health charity of your choice through CAMH…
Karen leaves us with a gentle reminder: lead with love and let kindness guide you.
elevated 0GyZw
So saddened of Karen’s passing. She was my cherished friend for over 50 years. I’ll profoundly miss our outings and talks. My sympathy goes out to both of you, Linda and Paul. May she be happy in heaven now.
🙏🙏🩷
Sincerest condolences to the entire family… We’re very sorry for your loss.
My condolenses go out to Karen’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Karen was loved and cherished by all that knew her.
She is now free from pain.
Take care x
I’m very sad and sorry to hear about Karen. She was well loved by her family. I remember she always laughed or smiled even if it was a quick hello at Giant Tiger. My sincere condolences 💐
Dear Linda and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear sister Karen. I know how special she was, and how hard she fought.
May her memories give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Sending much love,
Meredith
My deepest condolences to Karen’s family. I will always remember our phone chats and visits in the kidney clinic and dialysis. She was truly kind, optimistic and resilient, and loved the simple pleasure of time spent with friends and loved ones. I am happy she was surrounded by love.
-Andrea
Linda, I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your sister. I am so thankful that you were able to get here and be with her. Thinking of you and your family. Sending love.