Morris, Karen Frances

Passed away peacefully on Saturday July 27, 2019, surrounded by friends and family in her final hours. Born March 6, 1956 in Toronto, she was the beloved daughter of Lillian Eva Morris (nee Sears) and the late Willard Paul Morris (1997), loving sister to Donna Heasman (Dave), Ron Morris (Karen), Mark Morris (Pat) and Carol Patterson (Scott). Proud aunt to Sara (James), Laura, Melinda, John Paul, Tyler, Aalt, Cobi, Joshua and Jessica. Great-aunt to Caleb, Logan and Liam. Also mourned by life-long friend, companion and caregiver Catherine Evenden.

The family attended Mimico Salvation Army, and Karen was enrolled as a junior and senior soldier, and was involved in the senior band, Brownies, and Girl Guides. She also became a Girl Guide leader, timbrel leader, and Sunday school teacher. At high school, she played trumpet in the band, and also took violin and accordion lessons. She volunteered in the library, and in the community looking after an elderly woman.

While working up at The Salvation Army Jackson's Point Camp during the summer of 1974, Karen and a friend were hit by a drunk driver. The accident left Karen a C-5,6 quadriplegic.

In 1975, Karen resumed her education at Wilfrid Laurier University where with the tremendous help of her parents, Catherine, and many others, she graduated with a Honours Bachelor Of Arts Degree in Literature and Sociology, and a Master's Degree In Social Work. Upon graduation, she worked as a social worker for nine months at K.W. Counseling Services, for two years at the Salvation Army Scarborough Grace Hospital, and for ten years at The Rotary Centre (KidsAbility) in Waterloo, Ontario.

After major surgery in 1998, Karen had to retire for health reasons. She filled her time in retirement making customized birthday cards for the residents of a nursing home, and working on fund raising projects such as the Victorian tea, and the Valentines Dinner and Silent Auction for the Parent Child Resource Centre at The Salvation Army Kitchener Community Church.

The joys of her life were her relationship with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; her friendship with her miracle caregiver Catherine Evenden who, along with her beloved dogs Maddie and Tetley were her chosen family.

Karen's family will receive relatives and friends today, Monday, July 29, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Visitation will continue at The Salvation Army Kitchener Community Church, 75 Tillsley Dr., Kitchener, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. with a service to follow, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow. Interment at First Mennonite Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the ICU team at Grand River Hospital, especially Nurse Amy and Dr. Nethercott.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to The Salvation Army (Parent-Child Resource Centre) or KidsAbility would be appreciated (cards available at the funeral home).

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Karen's memorial.