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Karen Undiks

Picture of Karen Undiks

August 7, 1963 – August 3, 2020 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Undiks, a loving mother, sister, niece, aunt, and friend.  Karen was born on August 7, 1963 in France and passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg on August 3, 2020 with her daughter and family at her side.

Karen is survived by her daughter Kristen and son-in-law Jayson May; sisters Cathy Nuessler (Dieter), Darlene (Jason), Judy, Cyndie; brothers Dean (Christine, Tina), William; nieces Sonya (Ian), Tara (Matt, Summer, Josh), Anita (Chad, Hope, Hannah); nephews Brian (Jen), Derek (Kendra) and aunts Adela Pollock and Helen Heyko.  She is predeceased by her father Josays Undiks and mother Sylvia Heyko.

Karen was most proud of her daughter Kristen and loved her to the moon and back.  She dedicated most of her life to raising a kind-hearted, strong and independent woman. Karen and Kristen enjoyed many road trips together, going on many sightseeing adventures, exploring the great outdoors, and camping along the way. One thing Kristen will miss most of all is her daily phone calls where they would talk about their day and her mom would give the best advice even in the toughest of situations.

As a teenager, Karen participated in the Air Cadet Program where she quickly formed lifelong friendships with people who admired her exuberant approach to life.  A multitude of cadets at the local squadron in Winnipeg and camp in Penhold looked up to her exemplary leadership.  She stood for what the Cadets are about – the development of youth in Canada, and will be remembered for her beautiful smile and fun-loving attitude.

As an entrepreneur, Karen established her successful printing company, Office ENGINEuity, and worked hard to build it from the ground up.  Over the last 10 years she took great pride in running her business, focusing on providing exceptional service to her clients nationwide.

Karen had a beautiful heart and giving back was so very important to her.  She did so by volunteering in different programs for over 30 years.  In 2011 Karen received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award for her tireless efforts and dedication to a charity that was dear to her heart, the Canadian Diabetes Association.

She was also a devoted volunteer with Special Olympics Manitoba and for many years Karen and Kristen never missed a Saturday morning with their athletes on the Thunder Rollers Team at Billy Mosienko Lanes.  Karen’s athletes were her absolute pride and joy and this work brought immeasurable happiness to her life.

Karen loved the outdoors, golfing, traveling the world, sewing and was a very talented cross-stitch artist, passing on her love of creating beautiful hand-made pieces to her daughter.

Karen was a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews and they will always remember her as a role model for being a positive, caring, respectful and giving person. Her thoughtfulness will be remembered by how she loved to spend time with her family and for always making an effort to embrace the kids – including teaching them how to make her legendary pavlova!

Karen was full of light and kindness and her love was far-reaching.  Karen’s family and friends will forever cherish all of the memories they have of her.

A private service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics Manitoba.  A special thank you to the medical staff and volunteers in the MICU at Health Sciences Centre for the special care you provided.

She will be deeply missed by all.  ♥

3 thoughts on “Karen Undiks”

  1. We, her family in Carmel., Indiana will miss her greatly. Her lively spirit, her sense of humor, her
    caring for others was boundless, We will cherish her memory. Cousin Mark (Nancy), friends
    Patrick and Kristen, Michael and Gabby.

    Goodbye, blithe spirit, we will love you forever.

    Aunt Del

  2. Christina Steinhilber

    Kristen and all of Karen’s family there are no words to describe the the sorrow of this tragic loss. My heart aches with you.
    She came into my life in 1986 and our friendship continued to grow. Karen possessed every quality you would look for in a TRUE friend. Compassionate, loyal , kind, forgiving, generous, devoted, honest and a great sense of humor. How fortunate I am that she was in my life.
    My sweet friend when I’m walking the golf course you will sit on my shoulder and tell me where my ball went and whisper the correct number of strokes I had. (either I had one to many or not enough)
    As when we ended our phone calls “I love you girlfriend”.
    Christina

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