REIMER, Karen

REIMER

With heaviness of heart we announce that KAREN ANN REIMER, beloved wife of the late Ben Reimer, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the age of 75 years.

Karen is survived by their only son, Mason (Caroline) of Lethbridge, her two rays of sunshine, Abigail and Carson, and her faithful puppy Ginger. She is also survived by her three loving siblings, Michael Malmberg (Sharon Mielnichuk) of Fort Steele, BC, Mary (Leo) Dieser of Coaldale, and Tom (Jean) Malmberg of Spring Coulee; and her four sisters-in-law Evelyn Reimer, Marguerite (Harry) Antonio, Rosalie Bain, and Dorothy (Allan) Sera. Karen is loved and cherished by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as loyal friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Max & Ardath (Mecham) Malmberg and her brother-in-law Bryan Bain.

Karen was born in Cardston, Alberta on November 7, 1945 to Max and Ardath Malmberg. The oldest of four, she took her big sister role seriously as she led “them kids” on many adventures at the family farm near Spring Coulee. Karen loved to help around the farm, whether it was in the field, feeding the cattle or baking with her mom. On Thanksgiving morning, October 8, 1951, Karen ended up in hospital in Cardston as she was quite ill and was later diagnosed with Poliomyelitis (Polio). Karen would spend many months, which accumulated into years, away from home in hospital being treated for polio and having surgeries. This never held her back or stopped her from pursuing her own personal goals. Karen knew in grade nine she wanted to be a pharmacist. After graduation in 1964 from Cardston High School, she moved to Edmonton and after three short years, received her BSc in Pharmacy from the University of Alberta in 1967.

Karen returned to southern Alberta, living in Lethbridge and working as a pharmacist at Boyd’s Pharmacy. She worked at Woodward’s, the Bay, and Stubb’s pharmacy as well before her retirement in 1995. On February 5, 1969, Karen walked into Ben’s Accounting for tax advice and the rest is history as they would later be married on September 5, 1970. Karen and Ben enjoyed many vacations together; travelling to the Bahamas and Hawaii as well as Nevada and Arizona. Their biggest adventure was when they adopted their son Mason on February 14th, 1979, neither knowing quite what to do and both falling in love with their long awaited son. Family holidays were a highlight for Karen; and Mason always made them easier; with her most recent holidays being to Mexico and Texas with Mason and his family.

Karen beat more than polio and post-polio complications, she was also a breast cancer survivor and her more recent fight was against Parkinson’s disease. Karen strength and “You got this girl” attitude was what drew people towards her as a role model. Many looked up to her for her ability to overcome adversity and fulfill her dreams. Karen was passionate about drawing, water colour, and loved to sing with her Sweet Adeline’s chorus. Playing cards was her most recent hobby and she had regular dates with her friends, always keeping track of how many games she won.

Karen’s family was her life line. She adored talking and texting to her nieces and nephews. She never passed up an offer for a visit, a drive to the farm, or to go Duck Lake. Karen cherished every concert the grandkids sang in, every sports event they played in, and every Sunday supper they joined her in as she knew the importance of family. Karen was very proud of her siblings and her extended family, always highlighting their accomplishments with a smile and love.

Karen was and will always be an inspiration as she lived her life on her own terms, “She believed she could, and she did!”.

A special thanks to the home care staff from Gladium both past and present. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an animal charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held once the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com