With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Karen Kebarle in Ottawa on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 63, three days after heart valve replacement surgery. Karen and her loved ones had hoped she would recover with renewed vigour to enjoy many more life adventures. Her sudden passing was an immense shock to all who knew and loved her.
Born in Edmonton on July 17, 1962, Karen is survived by her partner, Georgette Sauve; her former husband, Norman Osborne; her sons, Gavin and Ryan; her mother, Beverly Kebarle; her sisters, Kathy and Paula (Barry); her nephew, Lucas; and her niece, Rio (Bob). She was predeceased by her father, Paul Kebarle.
Karen grew up in Belgravia/Mckernan and attended Strathcona Composite High School. She was an English scholar, earning a BA (Honours) from the University of Alberta, an MA from the University of Toronto, and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. She went on to work in various roles as an educator, spending the last decade of her life as an ESL teacher and program designer at the Canada Border Services Agency.
Karen had a big heart full of genuine love and care. She was creative, conscientious, hard-working, idealistic, helpful, thoughtful, and warm. She loved nature and outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and skiing. A dedicated Harry Potter enthusiast, she enjoyed giving talks and dressing up at conferences in a style befitting Hogwarts. She also found joy in art and theatre, writing poetry, and composing songs.
A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, October 25 at the Sacred Space of Beechwood, Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue in Ottawa. The event was livestreamed for those unable to attend in person or watch during the service. The link to watch the service is https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/116101
Livre de visiteurs
Silva Keberle
Tony Wypkema
I admired Karen for her liveliness, passion, warmth and scholarly achievements. I miss her.
Carollyne Tracey
I will miss our chats on the beach at sunset. I treasure our childhood memories that made summer special.
Sarah Ostler
Sending lots of love
Karen I miss you
Saloni Negi
Dear, kind friend of my youth who will be missed. You left way too soon. Glad we were able to reconnect in more recent years. My sincerest condolences to Gavin, Ryan, Georgette, Beverly, Kathy, Paula, and your many friends.
Penelope Kokkinos
Karen, I will miss your smile, wit and kindness, as I will miss you. Thank you for being part of my life.
Catherine Ostler
I was so glad to be able to attend Karen's Ottawa memorial service and hear the stories from her friends and family. Thank you to all who shared their memories--I will add them to mine to remember her. I will miss her visits to Savary and send much love from Savary to all and especially to Karen, whose spirit will always be here with us.
I will miss my cousin Karen very much and I am veryy sorry for her family and friends.