Karen Diane Cross

Karen Diane Cross (nee Blommestyn) born October 16, 1941, passed away at age 83 in the Queensway Carleton Hospital on December 10th, 2024. She is survived by her loving and caring husband James “Jimmy” Cross of 23 years.

She is predeceased by her parents Mabel and Peter Blommestyn and her infant brother Patrick. 

Karen was also known as Karen McSherry, Karen Smith, Cook, Cookie and Tia Karen by friends and family. Karen shared a love of people. Her career in the retail world was just up her alley. Karen was known for her warm welcoming smile that greeted everyone, her love to gather family together, and her hugs which she freely gave to anyone who needed it. Karen worked for a number of years at the Golden Dolphin and subsequently Hudson’s Bay (The Bay).

In early years, Karen had a home daycare in Bayshore and made crafts for sale which showed her creative side. She made anything and everything, from Barbie clothes to Octopus’ and stuffed animals, centerpieces, adult aprons and seniors' walker organizers. Her creative side gave her a sense of design for all her houses that she renovated over the years.

She had female boarders in Oshawa, Kingston and Ottawa. This allowed her to feed them with good food and great baking. Her specialty was cookies, she would call them fussy, regular and simple ones. She made her famous rolled oatmeal cookies every few days to keep Jimmy stocked up.

Karen volunteered at the Bayshore Country Club, organized banquets for the Men’s Floor Hockey League, and went on to volunteer at Abbeyfield House, Churchill Seniors Club and New Orchard Lodge.

Cherished mother to Peter Smith (predeceased), Elizabeth Smith, Donald (Emma Hill) Smith and James John (DJ) McSherry.

Stepmother to Tami (Albert) Cuddihey, Joanne (Victor) Schnare, Ronald (Renee) Cross and step grandmother to all of their children.

Grandmother to Peter Ross Smith, Cody Allen Smith, Dustin Smith, Daryl (Tara) Chester, Crystal Smith, Steven Smith and several great grandchildren.

Lovingly remembered by her sisters Molly Carvalho and Faye (Dave) Dores.

Aunt (Tia) to Frances (Matt) Cavanagh, Monica (Raphael Abrahão) Carvalho, Christopher Dores, David Jr. (Cynthia) Dores and great aunt (Tia Karen) to Liam and Carter Cavanagh.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Tami (Albert) Cuddihey for caring for Karen and ensuring she had all the medical care she required over the last few years.

After living with dementia, we take peace in knowing that Karen is now free again to be the beautiful soul that she always was. Karen will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Pinecrest Cemetery, Courtyard of Memories, Wall C2, Level E, Niche #3.

In lieu of a service or visitations, the family has asked for donations to the Alzheimer Society.

Sincere gratitude goes to all the staff in the A3 ward of the Queensway Carleton Hospital for the exceptional care, kindness and compassion they provided to Karen throughout her stay.