Karen was a wonderful friend. So smart, funny always ready for adventure. She was always so positive despite her health issues and physical limitations. She fought for her life so many times so she could be there for her 3 beautiful girls. Love and deepest sympathy to Vanessa, Allyn and Danielle. RIP Karen, you deserve to rest with the angels. I love you today and always ❤️
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My sincere condolences. Karen was my roommate at OLC when we were in Grade 12. I was so fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting up with her & a few of our former classmates for lunch on a couple of occasions. I was saddened to hear of her health struggles but she was truly a warrior & so positive…always.
R.I.P. Dear Roomie!
Love, ‘Cubby’ xoxox
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Alynn, Vanessa and Danielle,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. It’s taking me a minute to fully figure out what to write because it doesn’t exactly feel real yet. Your mom will forever be one of my heroes for everything that she did and fought for. She overcame more than any person I’ve ever met, and I am so grateful to have been able to spend time with her, especially recently. I am especially thankful to her for proving the doctors wrong time after time and she will live forever through you three and your kids. Here for you always. 💜
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I often thought of your mom over the years, and some of our encounters during hangouts at Thorncrest…Her energy, warm smile and genuine heart always stood out to me and made me feel at home. She was just…good, and you could see that from the very start. She made an impact on those years of my life, I still remember some conversations, and I’ll never forget them or her…Wishing you a peaceful rest ❤️
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My deepest sympathies to Vanessa, Alynn, and Danny. I have know Karen since our girls were small together in Etobicke, and before Danny was born! Alynn I called my other daughter and Karen was a wonderful friend and "other mother" to my daughter Kimberly. I wanted to see Karen a few years ago to have a conversation with her and regret that I did not pursue it more diligently. She was a positive, strong, supportive, and smart woman, and for the time that we were friends, I am grateful. A smile ever-ready. Hers is a story of love for her children, and when I watch the video I see a reciprocal love story of the girls for their mother. Karen, you are (and have been an inspiration). Good job mothering and producing your "angel", Danny. A special segment in the video. Mr. Dorey, my heart goes out to you. Much love to all. Judy Chapman (AKA Westover)
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1978, Family home, Joseph Street, Markham, ON, Canada
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I started writing to Karen when I was 13 and Karen was 14. I lived in England whilst she was in Canada which seemed very exciting to me at the time! I wanted a pen pal and my Granddad gave me her details. We were second cousins, my Dad and her mum were first cousins and our Grannies were sisters. Her Grannie moved to Canada after marrying a Canadian soldier and from what I understand they were given a parcel of land for his military services after the Second World War.
I was nervous about writing but plucked up the courage and we just clicked from the start. She would write about her figure skating and I would tell her about my horse riding. We have exchanged countless letters and photos over 53 years and met up on many occasions, including with our families in later years. She was a beautiful person inside and out with a heart of pure gold! She adored her girls and bestowed her legacy on them. They have grown in to three wonderful daughters to her.
My heart goes out to Vanessa, Alynn and Dani and also to Bob, Lisa and Bruce. Karen suffered with lupus over so many years but never complained and was always so happy and bright. I hope she finds some peace at last.
We will all be thinking of you here in the UK on Saturday and holding you in our hearts!xx
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Our sincerest condolences to the family…
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I will never forget Karen. What a powerful, brave and amazing woman. Her sense of humour was such a gift and her days here at Thorncrest kept me smiling and laughing with her witty comments and clever comments. She is forever in my heart and I was blessed to have known her.
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The few times I met Karen I always remarked at what a lovely nice woman she was. She has raised three wonderful girls who will carry on her legacy. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort. Debra
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Although my interactions with Karen have been brief, I have known her presence, love, and impact to be monumental. Reading through the stories, reflections of her character weaved into the fabric of her daughters; courage, generosity, and immense warmth.
Vanessa, Alynn, and Danielle, I hope you find strength together during this difficult time, keeping her memories close and carrying her heart in your hearts.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Karen is in my thoughts; you and your families are in my thoughts. Sending all my love,
Alley
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I met Vanessa over a decade ago when we both worked for the same company (our first real jobs) and then quickly became roommates. Vanessa introduced me to her mom not long after, on visit to Karen’s condo where we all watched figure skating together (something Karen clearly knew a lot about).
While the years I have known Vanessa have been really hard ones for her mom, I have seen the immense amount of strength and courage she lived with and how much she loved her daughters. It was clear how she wanted to do everything she could for them (and them for her).
I am confident Karen’s legacy and memory will live on through the incredible girls she raised. I have seen the same qualities of strength, perseverance, unwavering loyalty, intentionality and love of learning in both Karen and Vanessa.
I will forever be grateful to Karen for my best friend.
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Such a trooper, a good heart, strong personality and super Mom! Really enjoyed our time together when the kids were little. Big hugs to All! Linda Turosky
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Vanessa, Alynn and Danielle, we are so very sorry your Mom has passed on and we feel your sadness.
From the first time I met you Vanessa I knew about your Moms presence in your life. You were always guided by her and you carried her values with you as you grew into the woman she was so proud of.
Her obituary says so much about her life and her struggle. She was truly heroic and set an example we can all learn from.
You gave her the love and comfort she wanted. May that bring you peace now as you remember she is still watching you and will continue to guide you through life.
God bless to you all
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Karen was a great neighbour when Phil and I moved to Markham in 1974. She was always smiling and laughing. Great times with the Dorey's. In my thoughts, and prayers
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I remember Karen so well as president of Gamma Phi Beta sorority when we both lived in the sorority house on Madison Avenue. She was also in my physiotherapy class at U of T. Karen was a born leader, kind and generous and so much fun; a wonderful person. I have very fond memories of that amazing gal.
Cheryl Turner Borthwick
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Dear Dani, Alynn, and Vanessa and Families,
Our sincere condolences. We have so many fond memories of Karen and she will remain in our hearts today and always. Her love for you all, her strength of survival, her generosity and all she shared with us for so many years will not be forgotten.
Sincerely, The Gatto Family
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2000, Maple Santa Clause Parade
First and best memories of volunteering to walk the Santa Clause Parade with Maple Academy of Dance.
— with
Lynn Gatto (nee English) & Karen Gnidec
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For as long as I have known Vanessa, I only had the opportunity to meet Karen a few times, but I remember very clearly from those few occasions how happy she was to chat with me, even though she did not know me well, and how much she adored her girls, and later her grandchildren too. I am thinking of you all and sending you all my love.
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Vanessa, Danielle, Alynn and family I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom was one of most dedicated moms I've met and a wonderful beautiful person. Forever in my heart and memories❤️
Margaret Amato and Family
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I only had the opportunity to meet Karen on a handful of occasions. She always impressed with her courage and ability to smile. My thoughts are with Karen's family at this difficult time. I am looking forward to celebrating her life this Saturday.
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