Karens Banner-
please click the icon for the larger version, not to be missed.
Photo
Galleries - Photos from Gatherings,
Memorials and just friends. Memorials- Her Memorial Service in Guelph, and
the service held at the Fergus Gathering. Also the online wake
from the Shamrocks and Stones Board, a toast to her on Facebook
and let's not forget her trees! Stories- Lallypals from everywhere share
their stories of their friend. Guest
Book- Leave a note for Karen.
MEMORIALS
Family
& Friends- April 14th
From Fiona
....
It was really nice to have a chance to celebrate Karen's life with her family and friends. Lallybroch was well represented with about 25 of us there. There was a lovely memorial bookmark with two quotes from the books. There were beautiful pictures everywhere. I don't think that girl ever took a bad photo!! Lots from the Fergus festival, including one with Diana and Doug. Hedy, your sampler had pride of place among the pictures. "Fuck Cancer". Her roller Derby skates and shirts were there as well.
Thom spoke first saying Karen had asked him to deliver the message about her cancer having nothing to do with smoking or second hand smoke but traceable to spraying of "Agent" defoliants near an army base she once lived on. After that, anyone who wanted could get up and talk.
Helene and JP both got up and spoke about getting to know Karen through the boards etc and both did a beautiful job. No way could I have stopped sobbing long enough to saw anything at that point. Keira had arranged for a lovely flower arrangement to be delivered with the donations she had received towards it with a card from the Ladies of Lallybroch. It sat behind the podium. Right beside it was the "Ugly Duncan" highlander mug which Thom promises he will bring to the big party we are having for Karen the Friday night if Fergus this year and she would like us all to drink some single malt out of it. ;).
There were so many stories about Karen's kindness, how she had gone out of her way to help others, just what a terrific person she was. There were so many people there that they spilled out filling the bar next door and then the room had to be expanded by removing one of those bendy walls so that everyone could fit! 15 of us then went up to the Brew House in Fergus and had a late lunch and raised a glass or two in Karen's memory.
From the service,
from Helene...
This truly has been a long goodbye. I met Karen 6 years ago when she responded to a post I had made on our books board that I was hosting a get together for Gabaldon fans at my house. She said that she wasn’t sure she should come, but told me that when I came across the yard to welcome her with a big hug and a glass of wine in my hand, she knew immediately she had made the right decision. We ate, we drank and we all laughed well into the twilight hours.
We met again many times throughout the following year and it was at Fergus that we truly bonded. She led me around the campsite introducing me to cousins, buddies and best friends the entire weekend. It never ceased to amaze me how many people Karen knew. Many of you are here in this room today.
Our friendship grew quickly and I was swept away by her quick wit, deep intelligence and keen ability to get to the heart of a matter swiftly. I loved her belly laugh, but it is her quiet hissing giggle with her tongue between her teeth that I will miss most. Just when you thought she might have missed something, that giggle could be heard.
She invited me for a girl’s weekend shortly after she and Thom had moved to Guelph. I arrived, dropped my bag in the front hall and was whisked away in Karen’s car with the explanation that we needed to pick up a few supplies. I countered with, “Don’t worry, I don’t eat much.” She turned and looked at me as though I were completely devoid of any cognitive ability and said, “We’re going to the liquor store!” Once again we fell about laughing. We spent a lot of time laughing, Karen and I.
Then came the diagnosis. The world turned grey for a long time. When Karen had been feeling well enough to have visitors, I went out for another overnight visit. Just before I left, my husband leaned into the car window, and said , ”Make sure you shore yourself up before you go through her door. The last thing that girl needs is to see you cry.” I managed to keep a smile on my face and we sat on the couch until 3 in the morning having one of the deepest conversations I have ever had.
She was a tough girl our Karen. Army tough Thom called it, and not once in this entire journey did she complain, whine or whimper to me. Swear – yep – there was lots of that, and God Bless her, it made it easier for us all.
So, in memory of our tough girl, please raise your glass to Karen, who I am sure is sitting on a hillside somewhere in Scotland with a 40 ouncer of single malt on one side and Dougal on the other .
Slainte
A Group of LOL'ers toasting
Karen.
Fergus- Friday Night for Karen
A synopsis of comments from off
the boards....
Just wanted to let you all know about the gathering we had this past Friday night in memory of Karen at Fergus. It was an emotional year for sure as Karen/Aislinn was always such a big part of Fergus. We had a get together after our Friday night dinner and were lucky enough to have Thom, Kellye and wee Lily join us.
The Fergus
teenagers (also known as Toxic Haggis) performed for us during
the dinner and Home for a Rest by Spirt of the West
is one of the songs they sang for Karen. It brought simultaneous
smiles and tears to most of us. AnnS played Loch Lomond and Home for a
Rest. JP and ValL had brought a really pretty memory candle to give to her family.
Donna and Colly had made a lovely big collage of photos which was posted on ValC's trailer.
Colly had made ribbons which we all wore.
We filled a journal with memories and signed quilt squares for Kellye's new baby boy who is due to arrive in early September.
Thom had brought a great framed photo which he called "after the alcohol kicked in" of her giving him a little shoulder flash
*g* as well as the Dunkie -The Highlander mug which Karen had requested we all sip some single malt from which we all did.
Some of the kids thought it was Elvis. :)
In a very
quiet moment, Thom shared a "Karen" story that he said demonstrated how much she loved the Fergus folks and the weekend. When she saw her oncologist for the last time, he told her she had a very short time to live. She asked how long and he said it could be as little as two weeks or some bit longer. Her immediate response was, "Oh crap! That means I'm going to miss Fergus!" That was our Karen.
We had a miserable rainy weekend but durin g her tribute dinner the sun shone which was
lovely and it really felt like Karen was with us in spirit.
There
was also an online wake for Karen at the Shamrocks & Stones
Online Group.
That's here!
DONATIONS
Trees!
Two
Rowan trees were planted in Scotland in Karen's memorary.
Hello Helene,
I received the “Tree Planting Certificate” in the mail today, and broke out in tears. The planting of two Rowan trees in central Scotland is over the top. Karen would be so pleased, as am I. Thank you so much.
...
Would you kindly forward my thanks to the other Ladies of Lallybroch for their contributions in Karen’s name and memory. All the more reason for me to visit the Village of Comrie in central Scotland to see the trees and view the engraved plaque.
Sincerely,
Thom
Money!
A charitable bunch of
LOL'ers also donated to Lung.ca
in Karen's memory.
Hello Michelle,
I received your card and letter this afternoon, and I can’t express enough how chuffed I was to see the kindness and compassion from you and the others on the chat boards. Raising $850.00 in Karen’s name for “lung.ca” is simply amazing!!! Karen would be thrilled, and you are correct, “lung cancer kills more people each year than breast, prostate, colorectal, liver, kidney, melanoma and pancreatic cancers combined.”
Would you kindly ensure that the other people who donated in Karen’s name are made aware of my appreciation, and I’m so glad you and the “gang” were able to visit Karen last fall. It truly meant a lot to her.
Once again, thank you all.
Thom
In May 2012 DebraMc
walked in a Relay for Life Event and here is her luminary for
Karen. November
On November 4th,
2012, Donna S. will be walking in Breathe Deep DC. Walk,
proceeds from this event will benefit LUNGevity
Foundation.
