March 18, 1943 – June 19, 2022
Surrounded by her loving family, Karen Loscerbo passed away peacefully on June 19, 2022 at Health Sciences Centre at the age of 79 years.
She was predeceased by her parents Allan and Jessie (nee Sullivan) McKenzie.
Karen is survived by her children Kenneth (Maria Elena) Loscerbo of Winnipeg, MB and Julia (Alf) Garvin of Calgary, AB; grandchildren Amanda, Alexander and Andrew Loscerbo, and Joshua and Grace Garvin. She also leaves her sister Arleen (Bob) Hill and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Karen was born in Brandon, Manitoba on March 18, 1943. Her family moved to Winnipeg when she was three years old and they lived in the Wolsely area. She attended St. Mary’s Academy in high school as the first of three generations of “SMA girls”. She would say that some of her happiest years were spent at the Academy. She received the Skinner Memorial Shield which was awarded for cooperation, participation and sportsmanship. The write up described her as an “ever ready help mate in a pinch” and having a “million dollar smile”.
The million dollar smile likely played a role in the meeting and marriage of Mom and Dad. In 1967, they married and were blessed quickly with two children, Ken in 1968 and 13 months later, Julia in 1970. Karen’s calling was to be a teacher and with the responsibility of being a student at teachers college and having two young children, she needed to be strategic. She would bring her one and two year old with her to the library and the librarian would race to find the resource material she needed for her courses in an effort to maintain the peace.
Karen worked at St. Amant Center teaching students with disabilities for most of her career. She had endless patience and kindness for her students and felt they taught her about love, being genuine and heartfelt joy.
Karen was a gift to all who knew her but most of all to her children and grandchildren. She never missed a chance to tell each of us that she loves us unconditionally and we knew it was true. She was optimistic, generous, caring and a champion listener. Karen knew how to whip up some kooky schemes and never dampened the fun! She would say it’s better to laugh than cry. Karen had a strong faith that carried her through hard times. She would remind us that God has a plan for our lives full of peace, hope and a good future. Mom bravely faced her final moments, eager to be with the Lord.
The family would like to thank the kind, supportive healthcare staff at Health Sciences Surgical ICU for their compassionate care.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave., Winnipeg, with condolences to the family to commence at 10:00 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/T-0djvcMQVk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Health Sciences Centre Foundation.
