Karen Denise Adams
July 21, 1964 to January 19, 2024
Obituary
Karen Denise Adams, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 19, 2024 surrounded by family. Leaving to mourn with loving memories, daughters Shaina and Marianne, parents John and Linda, sisters Donna and Janet (Don), nephews Gregory, Joshua, Jacob (Bethany), Seth (Emma) and Saul (Kendell), “adopted son” Warren, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Closest Friends Marina, Marilyn, Judy and “The Supper Gang”.
Karen began her teaching career in Pikangikum, Northern Ontario. Returning to St. John’s in 1995 to teach at MacDonald Drive Elementary before making her home at Goulds Elementary.
Karen was an educator and a learner. She was passionate about reading and dedicated her life to instilling a love for literature in others especially her colleagues and students. Her classrooms were not just spaces of learning but places of wonder and curiosity. She believed in the power of education and devoted herself to continuously learning and adapting, always seeking innovative ways to make the literary journey exciting for her students.
Karen became involved in basketball in 2007 when Shaina began to play with Goulds Hoopsters and helped to grow the franchise into one of the biggest and most successful clubs in the province. In 2014, she became a member of NLBA holding various board and committee positions. Karen invested endless hours into the sport, and was always there to lend a hand, always there to give her time and never looked
for anything in return. Karen was invaluable in the NL basketball community.
Many thanks to the emergency, trauma and intensive care teams at St. Clare’s for the extraordinary effort and care they showed our mother and family. As well as a huge shout out to the various paramedics who jumped in to assist outside the emergency department doors and inside the family room. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, January 25 at St. Kevin’s Parish Hall, Main Rd, Goulds from 7-9 PM. Please wear something purple and bring your favorite story about Karen. In lieu of flowers please read a book.
The Adams Family
Schedule
Celebration of Life
7:00pm, Thursday January 25th
St. Kevin's Parish Hall, Main Rd, Goulds
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sad time. God rest her dear soul and God bless all her dear family,
Dear Shaina & Marianne,
I just recently heard of your Mother’s sudden passing. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. While I did not know your Mom, I do know she brought 2 beautiful ladies into this world who are gentle, kind, and caring. I am certain she passed along these attributes to you both. May the cherished memories you have of your Mom comfort you in the days ahead. Thinking of you with so much love. Please know that I will read a book in her honour.
With deepest condolences,
Andrea Avery
Our Condolences to the Adam’s family on the passing of a mother , daughter and sister , so sorry for your loss ….
To Shaina, Marianne, Janet and Donna,
I was so shocked to hear of Karen’s sudden passing. We went to school together and crossed paths again as teachers. Karen made a difference for so many students and friends and will be dearly missed. My heartfelt condolences to you all at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sharon Vivian
Shaina and Marianne: My sincere condolences to you and your family. There is no greater loss than that of a mom. My heart goes out to you both at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to Karen’s family.
As a dedicated volunteer, Karen was a force, with a wonderful spirit and heart of gold who made an incredible contribution to the game of basketball in NL.
Shaina and Marianne we are thinking of you with heartfelt condolences. Your mom was a dynamic woman with so many talents. I’m going to miss our texts and bantering at the Rogues games.
Shaina and family,
I remember your mom when you were at gymnastics. We had some long talks and some laughs during training sessions. My sincere condolences to you all.
Janice Young
Shania and Family
Thinking of you and Karen-she was a standup person.
Diane and Coach K
My Heartfelt condolences to The Family on Karen`s passing! Karen was a Wonderful person and of course an Excellent Teacher who was at Gould`s Elem ! My PRAYERS To Family! GOD BLESS!
Though I had not seen Karen for several years, I hold many fond memories as we were schoolmates & friends our whole K-11 school years. In high school we had a little group of us that looked forward to lunch together at Wongs on Fridays…..we had so much fun and much laughter. My heartfelt condolences to the Adams family for such a sad loss. I will wear purple today….xo
John, Linda and family, Our deepest condolences to all of you at this difficult time.
To the Adams Family it is with a very heavy heart I write this message. Please accept my and my family’s heartfelt condolences on your loss.. Karen was a wonderful person, excellent teacher and I know how much the community will feel this loss. So many fond memories of Karen and the Deadpan Alley crew.
Heartfelt condolences to Karen’s family and especially Shaina. I had the pleasure to know Karen for over 15 years. As a community volunteer in the sport of basketball, Karen quickly became known for her passion for the game and was always the voice of reason. She was an extremely intelligent individual who always considered both sides to every issue. She was fair, considerate, and a dedicated volunteer. In all my years of meetings with volunteers I can never recall her raising her voice or becoming annoyed if a decision never went her way on a difficult issue. She was always there to assist with the development of the game whether it was sitting at the front desk of a tournament or editing old policies. You will dearly be missed. RIP.
Heartfelt condolences, John, to you and family. Sincerely, Derek.
To the Adams family, I express my deepest condolences on the loss of Karen. I remember Karen from when she and I did our teaching internships at Holy Cross on Ricketts Road many years ago. Although we didn’t cross paths after, I am delighted to see how instrumental she was in education and school sports. I noticed that she and I shared a birthday as well! May your fond memories bring you through these sad times. Thinking of you all.
John, Linda and family
Our condolences on the passing of Karen . our payers and thoughts to the Family at this time .
John, Linda and family
So shocked and saddened to hear about Karen’s sudden passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Mark, Margaret and Ella.
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. I taught in Pikangikum when Karen was there. We had just reconnected on Facebook this fall. I will always remember her laughter and how very talented she was. May your many memories bring you peace. Sending condolences to her daughters and the rest of her family.
So sorry for your loss. So young..
John, Linda and Family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on Karen’s sudden passing. While the passage of time has distanced us, I have fond memories of Karen from school days and family gatherings. Our deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with you all.
We were so sorry to hear this sad news. Ms Adam’s was a great teacher and a special lady. Sending our condolences and prayers to all her family 🙏😪
From Laura, Paul, Carl ,Daniel and families.
We the Suggashie Family from Pikangikum would like to extend our deepest condolences 💐 to you and your sister, It’s shocking to hear the passing of your mother. We are all thinking of you girls… Hugs 🤗 and keeping you and your sister in our thoughts and prayer 🙏
My sincere condolences to the family on the sudden passing of Karen. I taught with Karen at MDE, found her to be always good with her students and colleagues.
Treasure the memories,
Jim McGrath
So sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. When I was involved with hoopsters and school team Karen was very instrumental in its development. My condolences to the family
Linda , John and Family
I am so heartbroken for you on the untimely passing of your beautiful daughter, Karen. I remember her when she was a little girl, same age as my daughter Karen. We lived in Mount Pearl back then. I have been keeping in contact with Daphne and Doug from the first day we met in Springdale. May all or your beautiful memories help you all as you journey through this very heartbreaking time in your lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you folks and Karen’s family. My Sincerest Condolences
Ruth Andrew’s
Corner Brook
John ,Linda and family
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Hope all your good memories will help you through this difficult time.
Georgie and Winston
Shaina,Marianne, and family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your precious Mom, Hold your memories close to your heart.Thinking of you all.
John Linda and family
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your daughter Karen.
May the wonderful memories you have of Karen as well as the love of family and friends you have around you give you support through this sad time .
Sincerely
Louise Rice
Meet Karen when we moved back to NL. She was a great lady who loved basketball and it showed in her smile and patience when she was around the young ones. She will be dearly missed. RIP Karen.
Linda and John and ALL your family….. I’’m SO SO very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your dear daughter. I know you’ll have many wonderful memories of her journey through life. May you find peace in knowing that she’s in the arms of Jesus with her dear Grandma and Grandpa. Blessings to each and everyone who will remember Karen and how she touched so many lives. ♥️
Linda, John and family
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Bill and Wanda
Shaina, Marianne, and family: Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mother. Wishing you Love and strength.
Shocked and saddened to hear about Karen’s passing. She was a wonderful educator who always wore a smile.
Sincere condolences to her family. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Oh the memories from our days teaching Pikangikum will never be forgotten. Our apartments were next door and we spent many hours together watching movies, playing games and cards. Our trips to Red Lake and Winnipeg were always fun packed. Karen even made a trip to my home in Nova Scotia on her way home to Newfoundland. We reconnected a little while back through facebook for which I am most grateful. May she rest in peace. Sending love and condolences to her girls and family. May the love of other surround you and lift you up during this difficult time and your memories of your loved one give you peace in the future. Hugs to all.
Shaina and Marianne, so very sorry to hear about the sudden and tragic loss of your Mom. No words can console you but know that much love and support surrounds you.
This is so sad and shocking. I will miss seeing Karen’s artistic creations and will always have fond memories of our time together as children.
I’m so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. We taught together in Pikangikum early in our teaching careers. We recently reconnected via Facebook. Karen brightened every room she walked in with her laughter and cheerfulness. Thinking of you all and please know she will live on in my memories and thoughts.
Joan Velema
Condolences John and Lina And Your Grandchildren on The Passing of Your Daughter. Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With You All at This Sad Time. God Bless.
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I worked with Karen during my time at Goulds Elementary. She was a wonderful person. Sincere condolences to her family as well as her Goulds Elementary family. Thinking of you all.
So very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. We worked together at MDE and had lots of laughs and good times. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Sincere condolences.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a kind and thoughtful woman. My thoughts are with Marianne, Shaina and the family at this difficult time.
Shaina, Warren & Adam’s family . I am so very sorry for your loss . Thinking of you and sending my condolences .
God Bless A good communicator goodly listener and a pragmatic approach! Great Leader …Kareen Lose her coooollll Never well Got her once SHe sitting at the table, her daughter coaching, and me refffing yeah did not like pokes about her daughter coaching fun game!
#fiesty…s #legacies speak volumes !
So very sorry to hear about the passing of Karen. Sending condolences, comfort and prayers to Marianne, Shania, the family and the “supper gang” during this difficult time.
– Julia Buckley and Frank Hutchings
I met Karen through basketball. She was always involved, so much so, that I thought she worked with NLBA.
We crossed paths in December when I was part of a group that was invited to Goulds Elementary, where I taught for ten years, to read to the students. It was only then that I learned she was a teacher.
She will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to the family.
Sending all my love to Shania and Marianne during this difficult time.
Shaina
So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was a dedicated and hard working volunteer for the basketball community. You could always count on her to be the voice of reason when hard decisions had to be made. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Geoff, Debbie, Hilary and Kelsey Moore
To the Adams Families,
Sending our sincere condolences to you all that this difficult .
The Hart Family
JOHN Linda & family,, my sincere condolences to you at this difficult time,, may your wonderful memories of karen sustain you at this time.,
Shaina , my deepest condolences . I am officiating the Rogues game on Thursday night, but I know where Karen is seated .
Linda John and Family Deepest Condolences to you all on the passing of your Daughter. May your wonderful memories and Love sustain you at this difficult time ahead thinking of you all ……..David
Deepest condolences sent to all of you at this time. I spent many mornings having breakfast and a chat with Karen during my teaching internship. She was a great teacher and a lovely person. Thinking of the entire Goulds Elementary community and of course Shaina and Maryanne.
Our deepest condolences to all of you at this difficult time. May your wonderful memories of Karen bring you comfort in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Karen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To John, Linda and family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To John, Linda, and family
So sorry to hear of Karen’s sudden passing. May your memories of Karen sustain you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I worked with Karen during her time at MDE. I remember how kind and calm she was with students and colleagues alike. Wishing you all strength and courage in the days ahead. God bless.
Lori Wilkie
So, so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. My deepest condolences to Shaina, Marianne, and all her family and friends. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
I worked with Karen at Goulds Elementary and have fond memories of her as she displayed her strong work ethic and passion as an educator. Thinking about all the staff and students at Goulds Elementary at this time and sending my condolences to all who knew and loved Karen.
John and Linda and family
We were shocked to hear of Karen’s sudden passing. Our sincere condolences to you both and to all of the family.. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
John, Linda and extended family.
So very sorry to hear of Karen’s sudden passing. Great memories of babysitting your girls with Ruby many years ago.
May the good memories of your daughter give you all some peace at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Beverly and Roy Noel
So sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. She was always such a loving and caring lady! Thinking of Marianne, Shaina, and the family at this difficult time!
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Karen, sending condolences to Marianne, Shania & the rest of her family during this hard time.
John and family so sorry to hear about Karen .God bless her she was a very nice person.
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Our condolences to Shaina, Marianne, and her family. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Darlene and Bobby Walsh
Maddox Cove
John, Linda and family: Bette and I are so sorry to hear of Karen’s sudden passing. Our deepest condolences go out to you all. May Karen rest in peace.
Heartbreaking, my condolences to family and friends and the goulds elementary family
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She will be greatly missed by all whom had the pleasure to know her .She was a wonderful person! Sending sincere condolences to her two daughters and family and friends. RIP Karen .
My condolences to Karen’s family at this difficult time may she rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Karen. She was a wonderful lady, dedicated to her family, her students and the sport of basketball. My deepest condolences to Shaina and all of her family. May God shed his blessings on all of you at this sad time. My prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless.
So sorrow for your loss. I taught with Karen and taught shaina at MDE. She was a wonderful teacher. Condolences to all. Sincerely, Sharon Moores
To John, Linda and Families
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Sorry we can’t be with you as we are out of the country. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that we are thinking of you at this very sad time.
Cousin, Wayne & Winnie Tibbo
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom! She was passionate about teaching and sharing her skills! Deepest sympathy!
John and Linda we are so very sorry to hear of your daughter’s sudden passing. Our deepest condolences to you and all of the family members.
I was so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Linda,John &family Dave & LOIS were very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and all the family.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. GOD BLESS. LOIS& DAVID GOSSE
John, Linda & Family:
Our sincere condolences to you and all the family on Karen’s passing. Cherish the wonderful memories that she has left to all of you.
Linda , John and family,
Pat and I are sending our very deepest condolences on the unexpected passing of your daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.May your wonderful memories sustain you in the difficult times ahead
Will I was not acquainted with Karen I know her parents and it is obvious from her obituary that she inherited from them.the gift of being a wonderful “people person” ..My condolences go out to John and Linda and Karen’s family.