We Remember

FOLK, Karen

December 17, 1942 — August 10, 2023

Karen Norma Folk was born December 17, 1942, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  She was raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and died in Kelowna, BC, on August 10, 2023.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, George & Dorothy Cavanagh, and her brother, Gilbert Cavanagh.  She is survived by her husband Don; son Rod; and sister Kim Brown.

Karen spent the first 18 years of her life in Flin Flon, then she moved to Regina, SK to attend teacher’s college.  Karen taught in Flin Flon, Regina, and Thunder Bay, ON before moving to Kelowna, where she taught Grade 5 at Glenmore Elementary School.  She met Don at a dinner party, and they were married in 1972.  In 1976, Karen & Don were blessed when their son Rod came into their lives.  They lived first on Braeloch Road and then built their forever home on an orchard property in East Kelowna.

Karen enjoyed playing golf, racquetball, and was a curler.  She also enjoyed watching tennis and became a football fan (which was a necessity in the Folk household!).  Karen & Don were able to spend many winters in Palm Desert, and later in Indian Wells. Karen and Don were fortunate to have travelled extensively over the years, including most of the U.S. and Europe, Australia & New Zealand, China, Russia, Bali, Vietnam and North Africa.

When frailty wouldn’t allow Karen to participate in sports any longer, she became a movie and music buff; her excellent recall allowed her to quote lines from movies and recite the lyrics from songs.  She was also a fan of TV news shows and was always current on world affairs, knowing the backstory behind the headlines of the day.

Karen was very kind, always looked for the best in people, and had a fine-tuned sense of humour.

The family would like to thank those who have cared so much for Karen over the years, including Ann Day and Lynn Seib (Palm Desert).  As Karen’s health challenges increased, Heather Sellors and her team from Bayshore Home Health provided her with exceptional care and comfort.

Anyone wishing to remember Karen can make a contribution to the Kelowna SPCA.

Karen’s Celebration of Life and reception will be held on TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PDT)

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for FOLK, Karen is scheduled for TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • John and Jean Moore says:
    August 16, 2023 at 8:37 am

    Kim we are so sorry to hear about Karen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  • Bill & Maureen MacDonald says:
    August 17, 2023 at 9:41 am

    Don we were so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing., we were blessed to have known her, a wonderful person who was such a gentle soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  • Cal Loeppky says:
    August 19, 2023 at 11:12 am

    My deepest condolences go out to Don and Rod , also to Kim. Karen was a very kind and special person ❤ ❤

    Reply
  • Gordon & Gail Folk says:
    August 21, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    Our heart felt condolences go out to cousin Don and son Rod. I was shocked to hear about the passing of Karen. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you.

    Reply
  • Mia Cavanagh says:
    August 22, 2023 at 10:45 am

    Rod and Don,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Aunty Karen was an amazing mother, wife, and friend and she will be missed. Some of my best memories growing up were staying with you every summer and spending time with Karen. The summer I brought my children there to visit is a cherished memory. My thoughts, my prayers and my heart are with you and I wish I were with you today.
    Love Mia

    Reply
  • JoAnne Petrychyn (Cavanagh) says:
    August 23, 2023 at 1:24 pm

    My deepest condolences to Don, Rod and also Kim. Karen was a beautiful soul. You gave her a lovely farewell. Thank you for live streaming the service.

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke