Karen passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at Hospice in Barrie after a brave struggle with angiosarcoma, a rare and incurable form of cancer. She is survived by her parents, Peter and Carol Oliver, her brother Mark and sister-in-law Tracy Oliver, her daughters, Wendy Lee Cox (Nik) and Margo Christine Cox (Kathleen).
For the past several years Karen served as a personal support worker in the Barrie area. Karen brought comfort and joy to her clients whom she loved and truly cared for. Her long-time devoted friends, Wendy Weir and Carolyn Coulter, took turns to be with her in her final weeks of illness flying all the way from BC to Karen’s very personalized little house In Sandycove Acres. Even in her pain and illness Karen was a joy to be with. She was always fun and full of mischief and will be terribly missed.
Karen’s family will gather to privately celebrate her life in the coming days.
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Jocelyn Manchee
Posted on: Sunday, April 6, 2025Dear Carol, Peter, Wendy, Margo, Mark, Tracy, Derek, Hawley,
I am so sorry to hear about Karen. I remember her wonderful smile, twinkling eyes, and great sense of humour. She will be greatly missed by all of you I am sure. Whenever we chatted at family gatherings, it was clear how proud she was of her daughters and Karen always had a fun story to tell.
Sending you all hugs & condolences on your loss.
xo
Jocie
Cindy Martin
Posted on: Sunday, April 6, 2025My condolences to the family
Karen was a PSW caregiver to my son after he suffered some serious injuries in an accident. She was an absolute angel sent to us at a very chaotic time . We are forever grateful and thankful for having her in our lives . So sorry to hear of this loss
Cindy and Brandon Martin
Jackie Oleksyn
Posted on: Monday, April 7, 2025To the Family
Very sorry to hear about Karen. I was lucky enough to know her through Carolyn Coulter.
She was a kind soul with just the right amount of trouble.
Jackie
Carolyn Coulter
Posted on: Monday, April 7, 2025Karen is missed each and every day, yet she’s in my heart always!
Adventures and laughs with her were abundant and her kindness shown to all endless!
XOXO RIP my dear friend
Ellen and Bill Craig
Posted on: Tuesday, April 8, 2025Carol, Peter and family, sorry to read of Karen’s passing. Take your time to heal and may you all keep your memories close. God bless
Susan Dicks
Posted on: Tuesday, April 8, 2025Karen delighted me, she made me laugh and welcomed me as a friend and family. Her humor, kindness and joy will always stay with me. She will be missed and is so loved.
Nancy Cox
Posted on: Thursday, April 10, 2025When I first met my sister-in-law, Karen, she declared she planned on having 12 children! She was so thrilled to have her daughters.
I remember John and I and Buck and Louis taking a road trip to visit Karen and David and the girls in Prince George. It was Margo’s third birthday. Karen designed and executed the most amazing Playland birthday cake. It had a swimming pool carved into it filled with blue jello! The kids were delighted. Such a creative, warm, fun mother.
Karen very much valued family. During her time out west she was an engaged, kind, supportive and loved member of our family. To know her was to love her. I will always hold her in my heart.
I am so sorry my nieces and her family must bear this immense loss.
Nancy Cox
Posted on: Thursday, April 10, 2025When I first met my sister-in-law, Karen, she declared she planned to have 12 children! She was so thrilled to have her daughters.
I remember John and I and Buck and Louis taking a road trip to visit Karen and David and the girls in Prince George. It was Margo’s third birthday. Karen designed and executed the most amazing Playland birthday cake. It had a swimming pool carved into it filled with blue jello! The kids were delighted. Such a creative, warm and fun mother.
During her time out west Karen was an engaged, kind, supportive and loved member of our family. To know her was to love her. I will always hold her in my heart.
I am so sorry my nieces and her family must bear this immense loss.
David Cox
Posted on: Thursday, April 10, 2025I fell instantly in love with Karen. She woke up my heart and things happened fast. Lots of fun, lots of laughs. She befriended everyone. Anything seemed possible.
Our greatest achievement are our two strong, beautiful, wise daughters. Who, despite our marital break up, have grown into loving and very responsible
Karen lives on in their looks, mannerisms, and fun and helpful spirit.
Rest well, Karen, you will be missed greatly.
Wendy Newton
Posted on: Friday, April 11, 2025Dear Wendy and Margo, I’m so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mother Karen. She and I had only occasional contact since she left the West Coast but I was reminded recently of what a loss it was when I spoke with her- her voice as usual was full of laughter and optimism! My memory of her is that of her constant enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and kindness (she didn’t have a mean bone in her body!)! I know her loss will be keenly felt by all; my sincere to condolences to you and all your family,
much love,
Wendy Newton
Patti Schneider (Urquhart)
Posted on: Monday, April 14, 2025Carol, Peter, and Mark. I am so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing.
Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Warmly,
Patti
Anna Maria Norquay
Posted on: Sunday, April 20, 2025Dear Carol, Peter and family
My heart goes out to you. My condolences to all.
Love
Anna Marie