Karen Irene Hemmingson died on August 29, 2026, at the age of 66. Her family and friends remember her intelligence, warmth, kindness, curiosity, and enduring sense of humour.
Born in Nelson, British Columbia, on June 1, 1960, Karen grew up with her sisters Laurel Smith and Billie-Marie Murray. She studied at Carleton University and took part in language and cultural programs in St. Pierre and Miquelon and Sweden. Her career began in social services with the City of Toronto before further studies led her into planning and housing.
Karen later returned to British Columbia, working in Victoria and Vancouver, including with Terra Housing, before building a long and meaningful career at BC Housing.
She was a devoted mother to Kristen and shared many happy years with her husband, Carlos, whom she married in Portugal in 2020. Karen loved travel, mountains, reading, photography, housing issues, cats, and restorative time at her cabin near Secret Cove. Her adventures included reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, trekking to Everest Base Camp, and climbing in the Dolomites.
Karen is survived by Carlos, Kristen, Laurel, Billie, and a wide circle of relatives, friends, and colleagues. Her family expressed gratitude to the staff of Lions Gate Hospital’s Pain and Palliative Care Unit and to those who supported Karen throughout her illness.
A service of remembrance will be held at First Memorial Funeral Service, 1505 Lillooet Road in North Vancouver, on September 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A further celebration of life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.
Source: Dignity Memorial
