Karen Jean Hewett (Abbott)

July 20, 1972 to June 27, 2019

Obituary

Beloved daughter of Cheryl and the late Reverend Eugene Abbott. Loving sister to Christopher (Janice) and Keith (Catherine); wife-a-billy to Geoffrey; delightful aunt to Lister, Zeke, Euan, John and Liam. Dear niece to Andrea, Leonard (Shirley) and Brent; cousin to Ian, Robyn and Colin. Vibrant friend to many special people. Diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in June 2017, Karen lived with grace and demonstrated tremendous bravery up to her last breath. She passed away peacefully in palliative care surrounded by her family and dear friend Sasha.

Karen had the ability to take the simplest moment and transform it into something magical, profound and quirky, which touched the hearts of those who were blessed to spend time with her. Free-thinking and exceptionally creative, she devoted much of her life to promoting visual arts to the public, and particularly to the children of her province. After graduating from Mount Allison University, Karen interned at the Owens Art Gallery and subsequently worked as an art educator and curriculum developer for fine art at the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, and the Department of Education. She then went on to pursue her passion for organic farming.

Karen was a talented illustrator, video-artist, accordionist, composer, clothing designer, puppet theatre artist, bookbinder, and Big Sister volunteer. She loved animals, most of all her two cats Stella and Hudson. She marvelled at the beauty of nature, and especially enjoyed beach fires with friends and adventures under the skies in Bonavista Bay. Karen was held in the highest regard by those who knew her well, and she will be forever missed by those who adored her.

A sincere thank-you to the kind people who helped Karen and her family through the challenges that come with having cancer.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree for Karen. Donations in her memory may be made to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, or to a charity that reminds you of the brightness of her spirit.   

 Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Wednesday, July 3 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held from The Anglican Cathedral on Thursday, July 4 at 2 p.m. with interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.

                                                                                    

 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

 

Schedule

Visitations

2-4 p.m. on July 3, 2019

7-9 p.m. on July 3, 2019

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map


funeral

2:00pm, Thursday July 4th

Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 16 Church Hill


Condolences

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To all of Karen’s family, friends.
Karen was a beautiful person who welcomed me into her life with so much love, kindness, generosity and friendship to offer and share. She was a powerful woman who made you feel loved. Her bright smile when she opened the door to say hello or goodbye will forever exist in my mind. She was a dear friend, and I will always remember how sweet and loving she was. I will also remember all the laughter and fun times we had together. I am a better person because I knew Karen. I’m inspired by her to be a kinder, and warmer person. She really moved me in soul and spirit. Her love for people, family and friends, was genuine and never ending. Thank you to everyone who was there for Karen when times get hard. A big thank you to Sasha for all she did and continues to do to keep Karen alive in our hearts and minds. Thank you to the Hewett family and Geo. Karen, you are forever loved and remembered. I love you! Thank you for everything!

May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss. Loved Karen to my absolute heart, a kind, beautiful , and thoughtful soul. RIP my dear friend. Bonavista, NL

Cheryl & family,
So sorry to read Karen’s passing. Think of you often and especially at this very sad and difficult time. Take Care.
Dianne Sullivan

To Cheryl Abbott and family: We are so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I remember babysitting all your children on many occasions and I loved everyone of them. I pray our Lord will give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead. All our love to you all. Sheila and Randell Mercer.

To all of Karen’s family
I had the pleasure of working with Karen at The Rooms. She was an enthusiastic member of the Art Gallery team and added so much with her creativity, humour and wonderful smile. Gone too soon. You are in my thoughts..

Cheryl, Geoffrey, Keith, Chris and families,
I’m so very sorry to hear of your dear Karen’s passing. Although it’s been a long time, I’ll always remember her warm heart and how welcome she made me feel. She had such a wonderful soul. My sincere and deep condolences for your loss.

Karen you were a unique and precious presence in the world; truly one of a kind. So sorry for your family and loved ones. So thankful we crossed paths on this earth.

I hired Karen as the educator at Memorial University Art Gallery. She brought vitality, creativity, commitment and what I thought of as an unconventional “1960s” spirit to the gallery. It is deeply saddening that this spirit has been lost to us all.

Dear Cheryl and family
It is with heartfelt sadness that we are writing to you but at least Karen is at peace now and no longer suffering . Its been a long time since our Christmas parties and Karen would sometimes come with you and be with Yvonne’s children … those were the days.
With our love to you all
Pauline and Stan

Cheryl and family,

I am so very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I have not been in contact for some time as I have moved to Barrie, ON. with my daughter. Cheryl, cherish your wonderful memories of your daughter. My thoughts are with you at this time. Stella Winsor

Karen was always so sweet and kind to me. We shared many quiet moments chatting about art, education and all her passions. She made so much sense to me. Her wisdom was captivating and her spirit was tangible. I will always hold her voice in my heart. The way she said “sweet heart” the first time she held Mallory, is something I’ll carry with me forever. I’m so blessed to have known her. Love, Amy

This is so sad. Karen was an amazing person whose life has ended much too early. As a colleague at the AGNL and then The Rooms, I remember her as a delightful partner in art education endeavors, and a valued friend. Caroline Stone

Dear Karen,
I am in in Amiens, France tonight, and in this city of remembrance I remember you. I recall out many discussions of the importance of creativity in human development and in the power of the arts to enhance and improve the lives of children. You always embodied the best of us and the tears I will shed tonight are for losing one of the best of us. I know you will live on in your work and in the many young people who will find hope and meaning in the arts because of you.

Cheryl,
Please accept our most sincere condolences upon the passing of your beloved daughter. Be assured that we feel your pain. May God give you the strength to face the days ahead and the faith to trust in His mercy.
Most sincerely,
Eugene & Shirley Castella

You will be missed so much. The last time I saw you were so full of life even though you were battling this horrible disease – I hope there is another side so that I can reunite with people like you. That would be most wonderful.

Dear Cheryll and family, So sorry to hear of your dear daughter’s passing. My heart goes out to you at this very difficult time. Treasure your beautiful memories of Karen and know she is free of pain and illness. May she Rest In Peace . Sending love and hugs , Judy Ann Watson

Cheryl and family, Iwe were shocked and saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. I remember her as a beautiful, happy young women during Eugene’s time as our Minister in Portugal Cove. May you be comforted by your memories and the knowledge that she is reunited with her Father.

We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Wayne and Isabel Taylor

Karen always so incredibly kind and compassionate and funny whenever we would meet – a great listener and music lover. Thinking of you all who knew her best.

We are so so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. Although I did not know Karen well, every time we saw her she was so warm, so gentle with the kids. I think every time I met Karen she was in the process of helping someone out: planting vegetables, playing with some adoring nephews, baking something and bringing it around. Such a person lives on in those that loved her and were loved by her, and the beautiful, special, and funny memories we have of her. All our thoughts are with you Cheryl, and your family.

I’m so saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She had such an infectious smile and could light up a room.. May God wrap his arms around her family and friends and comfort them during this difficult time. Such a bright light diminished way too soon. My deepest sympathies.

Cheryl and family of your beloved Karen. My fondest memories are of Karen’s gentleness and heartwarming smile. My deepest sympathy to all of you on your great loss. My thoughts and my prayers will continue and I pray God’s hand of grace rest upon you and that you will know His surrounding peace that passes all understanding. “ May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, to the mercy of God, Rest In Peace. Amen.” +

Cheryl Chris and Keith. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow. Karen was a beautiful girl so thoughtful and kind.. she will be reunited with her dad now .so sorry for your loss.

To Cheryl, Andrea and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Anthea and Michael Donnan.

Karen was such a lovely person. I so happy to see her when we visited Nfld. in September. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. In Karen memory, a donation has been made to the BC SPCA.
Charlotte and Felix Rogers
Langley, BC

Mrs. Abbott, Chris, Keith and family. I woukd like to send my condolences and hugs to you all, Karen was a great person she always lit up any room she entered with her beautiful smile. She would make everyone feel welcome she was a beautiful soul. ❤

Cheryl and family, Words cannot express the shock and devastation that we feel on hearing of Karen’s passing. To us , she is still the little girl whom we knew just a few short years ago. Prayers and Hugs. May God Bless! Dennis and Phyllis

Our hearts are saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. We only met her a handful of times but each time we did, we were struck by her vibrancy and kindness. She was one of those people who you just really couldn’t help but like from the moment you met her. We will plant a tree in her memory. – Vicki Barbour and Reg Stoyles

So saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. Condolences to her family and friends.

Karen, as I sit here, still in shock, my heart aches. You were such a beautiful soul. I will never forget all the laughs we shared on King Street, your first year at Mt. A. I am so grateful to have had you in my life, if only for a brief time.
Even after years, you reached out to me when I lost Eve. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. To your family, friends and loved ones, you are all in my prayers.

Sonya
Sackville/Moncton New Brunswick

Sending our Condolences to Geoffrey and the Abbott family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
All our love,
Andrew, Pam and Lacey

Cheryl and family, We are so sorry for you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Karen was such a beautiful person inside and out, all caring and loving. She will be missed here on earth. I still remember her helping me in Halifax when I was sick and taking the car to the airport where Bob picked it up. Take care of yourselves. Wish we were could be there. Brenda and Bob

We are very sad to hear of Karen’s passing,she was such a sweet person and allways has a smile.We would always see them when they came to Por Blandford for the weekend..Karen would drop in to my moms for a tea as she lives in the same garden.Mom will miss her for sure,Our sincer condolences to all her Family and Geffory. And Sasha. RIP my friend

Keith, I am saddened to hear about Karen’s passing. She was a beautiful person and such a bright light. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

Cheryl & family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you all and praying that God will strengthen you at this most difficult time. In deepest sympathy,
Lorraine and Stan Pardy

Keith, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Cheryl & Family:

Our deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of your beautiful daughter. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Florence Baldwin & Family – Jackson’s Arm

Cheryl and family:
Your hearts are heavy with the loss of your daughter Karen. We offer our prayers and deepest sympathy to the family. Hold on to the memories of her life and times shared together. God Bless – May she Rest In Peace
Joyce and Robert Penney

Ah dear Karen,
What a delightful light you have been in so many lives.
May your spirit continue to shine brightly, and your artful ways be an inspiration to all of us.
My deep, heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew and loved Karen ~ ~ we all miss her.
with blessings, love and warm hugs,

Karen, how can you no longer be here? There was so much I needed to say, but as always, we think we have time. The memories are now flooding my mind as my heart aches. Mrs. Abbott, Chris and Keith, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

My Oldest and Dearest, you have been in my heart as long as I can remember. Memories of bike rides and skinned knees, endless singing and galavanting, and a curiosity that would almost certainly get us in trouble ( but only if we got caught). How lucky I was to have you as a friend. How lucky were we to have the past few years making new memories and smiling at our past. How lucky indeed.
To Mrs Abbott, Chris and Keith…Karen led a remarkable life full of kindness and creativity. She loved her family so very much. I hope you feel surrounded by her love now and the love of all who knew her.

So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I have fond memories of our childhood.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Cherish your memories, they will bring you happiness in the days ahead ❤️

Cheryl & Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Karen. I remember her as a little girl in Jackson’s Arm. My thought and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time in your lives.
Gloria Gillingham Earle

Cheryl and Family,
So so sorry to hear about Karen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. We ask that God in his love and mercy will comfort and sustain you this day and in the days to come. We pray that Karen’s rest will be in peace and her dwelling place be in the Paradise of God with all those who have gone before her, especially with her Dad, Eugene. “Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.” Amen +
Our Love and blessing to all.
John and Cynthia

I met Karen when I was Interim Director at the Art Gallery of Nfld and Labrador, as we were busy planning for The Rooms, but also challenged to maintain gallery programming. Karen was always eager to find ways to make it all work!

She was a bright spark – dedicated, enthusiastic, talented and energetic. She lit up a room with her smile and engaged anyone who met her with her warmth and generosity. I was shocked to learn of her passing. I hadn’t seen her in many years but today brought back many special memories of Karen. My condolences to her loved ones. A great spirit has passed on but left so much behind.

Shelley Smith

So sad to hear this news. My condolences to all of Karen’s family. RIP Karen

Cheryl & Family
So sorry to hear of your daughter’s passing, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You All as you go through this difficult time.

So much love to you all. Karen will stay with me; her twinkle, her spark, her smile and her left heart hugs, so very very much.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful soul. ❤️

Karen was such an amazing human being, always with a smile and kind words. I met Karen through Keith shortly after arriving from Portugal and although we didn’t see each other often we always had great and funny conversations. Seeing her at the farm was one of my highlights when picking up my veggie box in the past few years. I am sorry that I will not be in St. John’s to attend the funeral since I’m in Portugal at the moment. Thinking of you all and Karen’s bright smile.

My family and I wanted to write to express our deepest condolences to you all upon the passing of Karen. I knew Karen as an artist. Karen had a unique magic about her and I feel blessed that I was able to share in that, even briefly.

Vicky Chainey Gagnon, John & Judith Gagnon (British Columbia)

Cheryl and family….so saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and family.

Melvin and Juanita Hoben, Centreville, NL

Our deepest sympathy to the family. May they find comfort in the memories they shared together. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

Karen was bright, witty, funny and certainly brought an amazing energy into every room she graced. My sincerest condolences on her loss. I’ll smile each time I remember her.
Bill Donnelly