Obituary of Karen Anne Vigue

It is with heavy hearts that Natalie, Darrin and Tammy share the news of the passing of our mom, Karen Anne Vigue on September 2, 2023 at the age of 78.

Family meant the world to mom. She was the mother to Natalie (Eldon), Darrin (Alison), and Tammy (Dave), and grandmother to Chris, Kaitlin, Damian, Devin, Shelby, Jessica, Riley, and Dayna and great-grandmother to Kassie and Landon.

She was a woman of many passions. She loved knitting, crosswords, bingo and puzzles, and her baking skills were legendary. She made the most delicious bread you’ve ever tasted, and her homemade chocolates were incredible.

Karen adored Christmas like no other. In her younger years, she would spend months preparing: baking cookies and finding the perfect gifts for her family.

She returned to school in her 40s to earn her GED. She was proud of this accomplishment and even won an award for the most improved public speaker.

Karen’s spirit was as fierce as it was quick-witted. She had a deep love for music, finding joy singing and listening to her favourite country artists, especially Conway Twitty and Roy Orbison. She loved to sing with all her heart.

She had many health challenges, but she never felt sorry for herself- always saying that there was somebody worse off than her.

In her later years, Columbia House in Invermere was her home and the staff there became her part of her family along with Heartfelt Companion, Leanne Brooks and her staff.

We are so grateful to them for taking such good care of her.

Her happiest moments were the simplest ones- gathered around the table with loved ones, sharing a meal. Her love language was cooking, and the way to her heart was through good food (especially sweets and candy) and a good strong cup of coffee.

As we mourn her passing, we remember the moments of laughter and her big, beautiful smile. Rest in peace, dear mom. We love you with all our hearts.

Karen is survived by her children Natalie (Eldon), Darrin (Alison), and Tammy (Dave), siblings Alvina Charest, Larry Schmidt and Jack Schmidt, grandchildren Chris, Kaitlyn, Damian, Devin, Shelby, Jessica, Riley and Dayna, great-grandchildren Kassie and Landon, as well as many other relatives, friends and the Beingessner families.

Karen was predeceased by her parents John George Schmidt and Edna Pearly Beatrice Schmidt and brother Randal Douglas Schmidt.

A Celebration of Life in Karen's honour will be held at 11am on September 13, 2023 at the Revelstoke United Church, 314 MacKenzie Ave, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0.

If you would like to make a donation in Karen's honour to support the wonderful care provided by Columbia House long-term care facility, please visit https://www.ekfh.ca. Your contribution will help continue the compassionate care that meant so much to Karen and our family.