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Karen Anne Whistlecraft

October 3, 2015

Suddenly at University Hospital, on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 in her 64th year.  Loving wife of Jay for 39 years.  Cherished Mom of Megan (Michael) Shea and Lauren (Mark) Thyssen. Proud grandma of Amelia, Daniel and Rayce. Dear sister of Randy (Sally) Grein, Janice (Mike) Norley, Steve (Joanne) Grein, step-sister of Janice (John) Stangler and sister-in-law of Paul (Judy) Whistlecraft.  Karen will be fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Reuben and Ruby Grein and step-mother Jenny Grein.  Karen was a member of the London Friendship Quilters Guild, and an active member at Rowntree Memorial United Church where she was involved in the Choir and Mission and Outreach.  She also enjoyed her 33 years of employment at the Western University Lab School. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Thursday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The memorial service will be conducted at ROWNTREE MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH, 156 Elliott Street, on Friday, October 9th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.  Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Karen are asked to consider the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. 

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(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Alan Tomlin

My thoughts are with you cousin Jay and your family in this difficult time.

~ Larry Prickett

Dear Jay: Tony and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your cherished wife. We can't imagine what you're going through right now but please know that we are, and will be, thinking of you through this difficult time. I cherish the hug that Karen and I shared together on our last visit. God Bless.

~ Lola Gualtieri

Dear Jay : Although our time at camp 3 in Southampton with the two of you was shortened by Karen's untimely passing, Doreen and I appreciated and treasured her infectious laughter and wonderful smile. We often wonder why things like this happen to people who live their lives in such a special way. Her spirit will live on in Jay and the family and we can rest assured that she has left her mark in this world. Condolences to you and your family as you mourn the loss of a wife and mother

~ Ken and Doreen Wolfe

Jay, I was saddened by the news of Karen's passing. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family as you make your way through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Lou Ann Verellen

Jay,Lauren and Megan, So very sorry to hear of Karen's passing. She truly will be missed. Sincerely, Tom and Ellen Sonier

~ Tom and Ellen Sonier

Jay - we have both been blessed with wonderful life companions that have left too soon. I aiways enjoyed Karen's presence - I think she was like Barb in many ways . I am going to try to be in the Choir tomorrow - Dave's strong arm will help get me into the Loft . God Bless

~ Bill Dunbar

Jay, My condolences to you and your family . I hope your happy memories will provide you some comfort in the days to come.

~ Betty Singh

Jay and family, so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ David and Sanda Doyle

We were very saddened to learn of Karen's passing. She will be deeply missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.

~ Al and Sue Starratt

My sincerest condolences to Karen's family. I was saddened to hear of her passing. I will always remember her laughter and love of quilting. She will be missed. My thoughts are with you all.

~ Paulette Lariviere

Jay, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Karen. We just learned this evening (Oct. 10th) of her death and the news was quite unexpected as I did know she was ill. . I recall many happy memories working with Karen in the 1970's and early 8o's at the UWO laboratory preschool. She always had a big smile, a readiness to giggle and a very kind and gentle manner with the children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

~ Carol and David Wagg

Karen was a wonderful preschool teacher to both of our children ( now 20 and 18)... She was awesome! Our condolences to the family. We will always remember her fondly.

~ Barb and David Tucker

Dear Jay, I am really very sorry to hear about the sad news of passing of Karen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep up the good work and time will provide healing.

~ Pervaiz Abbasi

Dear Jay, My most sincere sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

~ Marysia Latoszek-Green

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Lorraine & Al Morrow

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Brenda & Peter Allen

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Mary Gough

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Huaiyu Wang

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Carolyn McNulty- née Bowlby

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Ken & Doreen Wolfe

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Ian Scott

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Betty/Alex Martin

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Diane Dubois

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ London Friendship Quilter's Guild

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ Martin Van Haren

(Donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada)

~ The Univeristy of Western Ontario

Dear Jay: So sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, Karen. May her precious memories keep her forever near you. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God give you strength at this very difficult time.

~ Carol & Dave Size

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Jay.....So sorry to hear about Karen. I remember how full of life she was and always had a smile on her face. I am so glad Lola and I were able to enjoy her company one last time a few weeks ago. She will be remembered for all the joy she brought to anyone she met. I am sure once you get past your grief, you will be able to smile at all the good times and events in your life together. My prayers are with you and your entire family.

~ Karin Henning

You, your family and Karen and your many friends will always remember her bright wide smile, her joyful giggle at life's passing pleasures and occasional tribulations. We enjoyed our many bridge evenings together and sharing stories about our ever enlarging families over many years. Our sincere condolences and rest in peace......Alan & Barbara

~ Alan & Barbara Tomlin

Dear Jay& Family, My thoughts & prayers are with your family at this most difficult time. I had the pleasure of being a classmate with Karen at JDSS class of 1970. Karen & our class of 1970 had many greats times & wonderful memories .l will always remember her laugh & her wonderful smile.Sincerely Mary Flood

~ Mary Flood

Dear Jay, Megan, Lauren and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. Karen and I shared many happy times together at JDSS, the University of Guelph and over the years since our graduation. She was truly a wonderful friend and I will miss her dearly. Her wonderful smile and infectious laugh will remain in my memory. She was a beautiful person both inside and out. Love to all of you. Lorraine & Al

~ Lorraine and Al Morrow

Dear Jay. Sending you my deepest, heartfelt sympathy. It was a pleasure knowing Karen. Just thinking of her brings a smile in response to the memory of her smile and laugh. May family and friends and your inner strength help you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Steph

~ Stephanie Hilton

So sorry Uncle Jay and Meghan and Lauren! I wish you all the best and will see you soon! Love Mike

~ Mike Grein

So sorry for your loss Jay and family and Randy, Janice, Steve and families. Karen was my best friend from the day she was born. We were neighbors and dear friends always. All through public school, high school, band, curling, weddings and church activities we spent a lot of time together. I will miss her so much. She was a wonderful kind person with an infectious laugh and always smiling.

~ Brenda Allen (nee Becker)

I was so sorry to hear about Karen. Mary Jane and I want to express our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you soon.

~ Glenn McLeod

Jay: I can't imagine the depth of your grief caused by the loss of your wife. In the days ahead you and your family will be in my thoughts. Sincerely, Jim Coleman

~ Jim Coleman

Jay, Megan, Lauren and the Grein Family, Karen is a very Dear friend and I will cherish the many memories we had over the years. I will always remember her jovial laugh and the good times we had at family weddings and the like! Although we were separated many miles over the years, the bond was never broken. To you and your families our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers Paul, Mary and Family

~ Mary Gough (Clark)

Sincerest sympathy Jay and you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Bruce and Barbara Broadbent

Jay - so sorry to hear of your loss. Sincerest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.

~ Ernie Parkes

Dear Jay, we were so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.

~ Diane Cuppels and Jim Traquair

Our sincere condolence's to you and your family Jay on the loss of your beautiful wife Karen. She will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Bud and Phyllis Sweeney

Dear Jay, very sorry to hear about Karen, my deepest sympanthy to you and your family and I shall keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Kathleen Jensen

Dear Jay, my sincere sympathy to you and your family during this time of sorrow. You will all be in my prayers.

~ Wendy Pawlina

Dear Jay, please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time

~ Huaiyu Wang

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

Dear Jay, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you face the difficult days,weeks and months ahead. Karen was a beautiful person and I fondly remember her as a friend and classmate(class of 70). She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her sunny smile and wonderful personality. The road you will travel Jay is a lonely one full of grief but over the last year since my husband John passed away I do find comfort knowing that he is in a better place free from pain and suffering. Although you will miss Karen every minute of every day may you find comfort knowing that she is at rest. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sincere condolences. Jeannette Wilken

~ Jeannette (Ahrens) Wilken

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