Karen died peacefully in Thunder Bay, Ontario on October 13, 2024. Lovingly remembered by her husband Stephen, children William Rutledge (Leigh), Christine Paradis (Scott), grandchildren Hanlan and Francis Potvin-Rutledge, mother Kay Matechuk, sisters Barbara Loffredo and Vicki Tutthill (Lynn) as well as many other family members and friends.
Karen lit up the world and touched many lives with her gentle and caring ways. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. She loved her family and dogs (Xena) beyond measure, spent countless hours in her garden, knit beautiful and whimsical creations, and doted on her beloved grandchildren. Karen saw beauty and found fascination in everything and everyone.
Special thanks to the compassionate and professional staff at Pioneer Ridge.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family gathering at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Karen's memory can be sent to Lakehead University to assist in supporting the Dementia Cafe program for dementia patients and their care partners or a charity of your choice.
To donate to Dementia Cafe, please go to Lakehead University giving https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/giving/fund-project and select "Dementia Cafe" from the drop-down menu or call 807-343-8010 Ext. 8972. Alternatively, cheques can be made out to Lakehead University with a note in the memo line 'for Dementia Cafe in memory of Karen Rutledge'.
