It is with heavy hearts that the family of Karen Elaine Kotanen-Atack announces her passing on September 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Karen was the loving wife of Robert “Bob” Atack and a devoted mother to Andrea (Ronan) Lyman, Kristin Lyman, and Warren (Kristina) Lyman, and stepmother to Shelley (Matt) Schweigert.
She was a proud grandmother to Alex and Mattius Brothers, Hezekiah and Apphia Lyman, and Emma, Brendan, and Gabriella Schweigert.
Karen was born on November 12, 1954, and was raised in Sudbury, Ontario, with deep and proud Finnish roots. She was the beloved daughter of Alfred Kotanen (predeceased 2021) and Norma Kotanen (predeceased 2023). She leaves behind her siblings, Mark (Margaux) Kotanen and Stephen (Cristoff) Kotanen, and was predeceased by her sister, Anne McFadyen (George).
Karen’s early education took place in Copper Cliff, followed by her final Grade 13 in Sarnia. Her passion for caring for others led her to continue her education at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1975.
Karen devoted more than 50 years to nursing, a career that was truly her calling. She spent 22 years at Freeport Hospital as a Registered Nurse and in management, later continuing with Paramed and the CCAC as a Case Worker and Regional Case Worker. Throughout her career, Karen was always committed to learning and furthering her education.
Caring for others came naturally to Karen. She brought compassion, strength, and kindness to everyone she met, and even after retirement, she continued finding ways to help others. Caring for people was never just her career—it was simply who she was.
After moving to Sarnia in 2019, Karen quickly discovered that retirement was not quite for her. Her desire to continue helping others and sharing her knowledge led her to work with the Canadian Red Cross, where she remained until her final days.
Karen was a loving, intelligent, and deeply compassionate woman. She was known for her incredible sense of humour, warmth, wisdom, and ability to bring people together. To family, friends, and colleagues, she often became an extended mother—a person they could turn to for guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.
She was an inspirational cheerleader for the people around her and a light that others naturally gravitated toward. Karen was truly irreplaceable.
Throughout her career, Karen was a leader and mentored dozens of students and shared her knowledge generously with countless caregivers and colleagues. She inspired others to advocate for women and for those who needed a voice. She was a silent warrior—small and mighty, yet a force to be reckoned with. At the heart of what Karen stood for was to take care of people.
Outside of her work, Karen was an avid reader and loved losing herself in mystery, history, and biography films. She had a charitable heart and generously supported organizations that were meaningful to her, including the Alzheimer’s society, Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Plan International, World Vision, and the Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton.
Karen loved to enjoy the rays of sunshine, whether it was in the garden or on the beach or with her dogs and grandkids who brought her endless joy and companionship.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Canadian Red Cross for the extended services and care they provided to Karen, as well as to the colleagues, friends, and caregivers who became such a meaningful part of her life and stood beside her throughout her journey.
In loving memory of Karen, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia-Lambton.
Karen was taken from us far too soon. As we mourn her loss, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy will continue—not only through her children, grandchildren, and family, but through the countless friends, colleagues, caregivers, and members of her community whose lives she touched.
The world feels different without her in it. Yet, everywhere around us, there will always be echoes of who Karen was: powerful, beautiful, mysterious, warm, and impossible to ignore.
May you always feel her presence—in the strength of her love, and in the gusts of wind that surround us. May the love she gave so freely continue to carry us forward.
Karen will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will take place before the end of this year. Details will be shared publicly.
