Karen Anne Janzen (nee Briese)
July 15, 1952 - October 18, 2022
KAREN ANNE JANZEN (BRIESE)
1952- 2022
With great sadness we announce the passing of Karen Janzen on October 18, 2022, at home in Winnipeg, Mb. She was the much-loved wife of David Janzen, mom to Ryan and Kory, and adoring grandma to Jack.
Karen was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer in December 2021. She handled her cancer journey with grace, strength and dignity, always giving thanks for the wonderful life she lived. Her wish to celebrate her 70th birthday was realized, and a wonderful celebration was held in July!
Karen was born in Neepawa, Mb. on July 15, 1952, the fourth child of Lloyd and Gertrude (Trudy) Briese (Harrison). She had a happy childhood, growing up on the family farm. She attended Dumfries School (Gr. 1-8) and Neepawa Collegiate (Gr. 9-12). She then took her LPN training at Red River CC and Health Science Centre School of Nursing in Winnipeg. She worked at Heath Science Centre for some years and then in the Manitoba Clinic as a Doctor’s Assistant. She later worked in Grace Hospital in Admitting and Medical Records.
Karen married David Janzen of Winnipeg in December 1979. They welcomed two sons, Ryan in 1980 and Kory in 1982. She was a great cheerleader at all their activities – bowling, coaching their ball, and teaching Chess Club at their school. She was very proud of all their achievements as they grew up.
Throughout her life, Karen enjoyed many activities – 4-H, music (was part of a band in high school), baseball, bowling, crafting, making quilts, playing bridge and chess, scrapbooking, crossword puzzles and going to weekly movie matinees with friends. She enjoyed many wonderful trips with family and friends – hi-lights were the family cruises. Her travels took her to every continent except Antarctica and Australia! Crown Jewels of Canada was a big part of her life, and she treasured her friendships formed there. She was also part of a lady’s group who met monthly for 40 years. Family history and family reunions were also very important to her.
Karen will be lovingly remembered by her husband David, her sons Ryan (Sara), and Kory, and her grandson Jack and step-grandson Lincoln. She is survived by her sister Wanda Long, her Aunt Lillian Sangster, nieces and nephews Karla (Len), Kallan (Kendell), Travis (Jennifer), and Kari (Brian) and their families, many cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Lloyd and Gertrude Briese, infant brother Wayne, brother Stuart, brother-in-law Brian Long, and mother-in-law Metta Janzen.
Celebration of Life service will be held at the Oasis Church, which has been a blessing to her life in recent years, located at 940 Elmhurst Rd., Winnipeg, on Thursday, November 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Life streaming of service available at oasischurch.ca/funeral-karenjanzen. Interment to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Wpg, Mb, R3E 0V9, designated to glioblastoma research.
Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com