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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: Mark Memorial Funeral Services
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Jennifer Swan
Relation: Long time friend of the Hatalcik family.
Karen was a wonderful, positive, and talented person who improved the lives of many people with her upbeat attitude and extraordinary professionalism. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, and I know she’ll be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the community. My wish is that the memories forged through Karen’s life of happiness and fulfillment will bring strength her family and friends during this time of loss and transition. My thoughts are with you.
From: Eric Windeler
Relation: Close friends of daughter Liz.
The Windeler/Hanington family sends our love and condolences to Stephen, Liz and Anna. Karen was a lovely human and will be greatly missed by family and friends far and wide.
From: Mary Jean Anakin
Relation: Friend
How blessed we were to know such a wonderful person.
From my late husband, Doug and myself.
From: Carol Warne
Relation: Friend
Dear Stephen, Elizabeth, Anna, Fran, John, Stephen, and Joanne. I don’t remember a time I didn’t know and love Karen. She was my sister’s best friend for nearly 50 years, and for that I’m so grateful because it was through this friendship that I was able to get to know Karen. She was truly a light in this world, and I’ll think of her every time I see the brightest star in the sky. My love and condolences are with all of you during this time. May your memories of dear Karen be a comfort for you, as she’ll always be as close as your hearts.
From: Pat O’Hagan
Relation: She was my caregiver and friend
Our deepest condolences to Stephen and your girls. Karen was a miracle worker with me and our family so greatly appreciated all Karen did for me! Her smile lit up the room. I so looked forward to every home visit. Karen’s care and attention contributed directly to me staying in my home for almost ten years. She had the loving touch. She will be missed and you have my deepest condolences. She will be missed greatly by everyone in Invermere.
From: Pam Petersen & Tom Graves
Relation: Friend
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to you in this time of sorrow. God bless you and your family.
From: Frank and Susan Rad
Relation: Friend
Our condolences to the family. Karen was a wonderful genuine person that I was blessed to have known from my earliest memories. So much to say but the proper words are so hard to find.
From: Danny Catt
Relation: Friend
Karen was a dear friend from our days working together in Kootenay National Park. She was always so kind, caring and generous. Although we had not been in touch a lot in recent years she did reach out and we had a lovely visit when I was last in the Valley. Karen enriched so many lives. I send my heartfelt condolences to you all.
From: Nicolle Huminuik
Relation: I did not know Karen Arif but certainly was aware of her and all she did for our community.
I never knew you Karen but was certainly aware of your presence in our small town of Invermere…and all you contributed to it, and simply were. Your death has been a great shock and seems so untimely and unfair. All I can add is the following. “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness”. ~ Keats ~ My deepest Condolences to the Family.
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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