Karen Billard

Billard – Karen

Our Karen ( nee Steele ) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in her 67th year.

She was a beloved wife to Glenn for 35 years; a dear mother to Michael (Violeta) and Leah, and loving grandmother of Ellie.

Karen was born on October 26, 1953 in Sudbury, Ontario and was the middle child of a family of seven. She was referred to as “the heart of the family” by her siblings, Beverly (late Ian), Susan (Danny), James (Darlene), Michael (Janet), Diane (Gord ) Patrick (Melinda); and she was adored by her eight nieces, three nephews, and nine great nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to her as Auntie Carrots. Karen will also be forever remembered by her countless friends.

She graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and attended Teacher’s College at Nipissing University in North Bay where she received her degree in Education. She went on to pursue a career in Toronto for the Ontario Government where she also started her family with Glenn. After moving to Ottawa and then to Montreal for a few years, they settled in Ottawa in 2001 where she continued to dedicate her life and heart to her husband and children. Karen also supported her husband in several of their family businesses, in both Ottawa and Montreal.

Those who knew Karen will undoubtedly describe her as having a heart of gold. She had a gift of making people feel heard and welcomed. Many of her children’s friends referred to her as their second mother. Helping others and putting everyone else first came as second nature to her. Karen was well known as sweet natured woman.

Karen was known as an early bird, waking up at the crack of dawn to sip coffee and master crossword puzzles. She spent countless hours on the phone, making sure everyone had someone to lean on. As an avid traveller, she was always planning her next adventure with Glenn, her siblings or close friends. Whether she was in the pool, sitting by the fire or preparing a delicious meal, nothing could stop her from dancing and singing along to her favourite tunes.

Memorial donations may be made to the “Canadian Cancer Society”. Due to current restrictions of group gatherings, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Tubman Funeral Homes, Kars Chapel.

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