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Karen Marie Arif (Hatalcik)
August 31, 1963 - May 9, 2021
Tribute
In the early morning hours of Sunday, May 9, 2021, at the age of 57, Karen Marie Hatalcik Arif passed away at the Invermere & District Hospital after a difficult battle with brain cancer. Karen was born in Invermere on August 31, 1963 to
Frances and Alois Hatalcik.
She married her husband, Stephen Arif, on September 28, 1992 and they were blessed
with two daughters. Karen spent her life hiking, skiing, canoeing, and camping with her
family and friends. There was no place Karen would rather be than in the outdoors with
the people she loved. Karen spent her career as a physiotherapist, dedicated to helping
others.
Karen leaves to mourn her passing her beloved husband Stephen and her two daughters, Elizabeth Ivy Hatalcik Arif and Anna Louise Hatalcik Arif. Karen also leaves her mother Frances Esther Hatalcik, two brothers, John Anthony Hatalcik (Shannon) and Stephen Christopher Hatalcik (Tanya), and one sister Joanne Frances Hatalcik (Mike), and several nieces and nephews. Karen was predeceased by her father Alois
John Hatalcik.
Donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley. Karen was a founding board member of the Society and was very passionate about this cause.
A funeral Mass was held on Saturday May 15 at Canadian Martyrs Parish. The family is
planning to hold a celebration of life after COVID restrictions have lifted, hopefully on
September 4th in Invermere.
The family would like to thank this community for all the love and support during this
most difficult time.
Condolences
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From: Heidi and Bill Smith and family
Relation: Friends from Factor Lake
Although I have not visited with Karen for a few years I can never forget how kind, generous and funny she was and always looked forward to seeing her in the summer at the lake. Brandee and Mariah loved spending time with her on the diving raft as she always had time to score their dives and make them feel special. Karen you will be so missed by us all. Sincere condolences Steve, Elizabeth and Anna.
From: Dallas Husar
Relation: Friend
I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I always loved running into Karen and sharing a conversation. She was always so happy and it was so infectious. I will think of her on my outdoor adventures and every time I see the Shooting Stars light up a field in a blaze of purple. I remember her telling me on the slopes of Pinto how much she loved their smell. Sending love to her whole family.
From: Cathy Soloveoff (Sheppard)
Relation: Friend and co-worker at Atikokan General Hospital, Laboratory
My deepest condolences to Stephen and your girls. Karen was a wonderful friend and co-worker. She always had a wonderful smile and was fun to be around. Her giving nature and impact on family, friends and the community is very evident. Sending love at this difficult time.
From: Theresa Clinton
Relation: Friend and colleague from Atikokan
Dear Steve and girls, I am so sorry to hear about Karen’s death. She was a woman who radiated joy and warmth. You will miss her deeply. My heart goes out to you.
From: Peggy Michels
Relation: Fellow worker at the Atikokan General Hospital
Dear Steve and girls, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Karen was a charming, caring person. We shared a common date as she was born on the date of our wedding in 1963. I’ll always remember her smile friendly manner to all she was a real asset to the Physio department. Sincerely Peggy
From: Mary Antolovich
Relation: Dear friend
Deepest condolences Steve, Eliz, Anna & family. We have all lost such a beautiful soul. I’m sure everyone that met Karen was touched by her kindness, compassion, humour & spirit. May all the memories you created as a beautiful family give you comfort during this saddest of times. Karen, enjoy your new adventure,
Much love Mary, San & family❤️
From: Cattie Marchand
Relation: Friend
We are so sad to hear of Karen’s passing, our condolences to her entire family during this difficult time. May she be at peace and the many wonderful memories bring you comfort. Sending love your way.
From: Angela Bishop
Relation: Friend and fellow physiotherapist in northwestern Ontario
Dear Stephen, Anna and Elizabeth, my heart breaks for the loss of the beautiful, energetic and inspiring woman, who was your wife and mother. I am grateful for having known her, for our shared experiences as physiotherapists in small-town northwest Ontario. I enjoyed her mentorship, profited from her wisdom, was inspired by her enthusiasm! and was comforted by many wonderful conversations, many of them about spirituality and faith. I am so sorry for your loss and for our collective loss.
From: Kurt Pristanski
Relation: Worked with Karen at Atikokan General hospital
Sincere condolences to Steve and family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Kurt and Mary Anne
From: Romy Wood Tony Wood
Relation: Friend
Our heart-felt condolences to all of Karen’s family at this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with you,
Romy and Tony Wood
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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24 10th Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 2M8
250.526.5689
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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