Karen was a devoted mother, a loving daughter and sister, and a loyal friend to many. She leaves to mourn her beloved sons Glenn Jr. and Paris, her parents Mary and Herb Auerbach, her brothers Marc, Paul and Andrew and her sister Michele. She will be remembered fondly by her niece and nephews as their adored “Auntie Karen”. She will also be missed by her many, many dear friends.

Karen was born in Montreal and the Auerbachs were her adoptive family. She had a wonderful childhood, running wild with the dozens of kids in the neighborhood. She brought a boisterous swagger to the subdued and leafy streets of Westmount. Whatever game we were playing, you wanted Karen on your side.

The family moved to Vancouver in 1980 and Karen attended Magee and Kitsilano high schools. She was married in 1985 and her boys were born a few years later. After living with her husband in Japan and the United States, she eventually settled back to the lower mainland.

In recent years Karen reunited with her birth mother. Even after so many years she had never been forgotten and was warmly embraced as a member of the family. Karen learned that she was a ninth generation Canadian; her ancestor was one of the “3000 negroes” who were given their freedom and sent to Canada by King George in exchange for their loyalty to the Crown during the American Revolution. At the time of her adoption in 1965, the Auerbachs had been in Canada for five years, while Karen could trace her roots back centuries.

Karen was tough and did the best she could raising two boys on her own. It was not always easy, but she was bright and vivacious, with a great love for life and a big heart. She died tragically and much too young. Her passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of so many.

A private farewell service and celebration of Karen’s life was attended by friends and relatives last week. Donations in memory of Karen can be made to: “Women Against Violence Against Women” Tel: 604 255 6228 or www.wavaw.ca/donate