Karen Elizabeth Certic (nee: Aquin)

It is with deep sadness to announce that Karen Certic’s life journey has ended while in Vernon Jubilee Hospital at 79 years of age. Karen was born in Toronto to Verna Thelma Fox and Melville Frances Aquin. She met her husband, Ivan, in her hometown and they married on Feb. 26, 1981.

Karen’s adult life was dedicated to working in the service industry, helping others and being a good friend to many. Karen worked in dietary at Vancouver’s Cancer Clinic. She managed the housekeeping department at Grace Hospital in Calgary for 17 years. When the hospital closed in 1996, Karen continued working as a Home-Care Worker until her retirement in 2001. While Ivan and Karen lived in Calgary, they welcomed exchange students into their home, and thoroughly enjoyed hosting them, getting to know them, and learning about their culture. The Certic’s chose Vernon to live after Karen retired. In Vernon, they continued to host exchange students for a total of ten years who came from Korea, Yemen, Japan, Russia, Thailand, China, and Nigeria.

Over the years, the Certic’s put on many miles travelling. They explored the middle and western states in the United States, drove to the Northwest Territories, enjoyed several tours to Reno and Las Vegas and made three trips to Croatia to visit Ivan’s family.

Karen became a familiar face around Vernon as she volunteered at the Army and Navy Club, the Elks Lodge and The Fraternal Order of Eagles. She also was a long-time bowler and volunteer at Lincoln Lanes. Karen loved to play Bingo. In later years, Karen could be spotted downtown on her scooter going about her business. But she was never without large-size chocolate bars in her basket to give away to show her appreciation or just to brighten a person’s day.

Karen was predeceased by her parents and her siblings – Barbara, Mel, David, Susie and Charlie. Karen is survived by her husband, Ivan, and several nieces and nephews.

Karen’s wishes were to be cremated without a service.

Her memory will live on in the many people whose lives she touched.