Obituary of Karen Duff

KAREN ANNE DUFF (nee Gillis) It is with profound shock and sadness that we announce the sudden loss of Karen, at the age of 58, after a brief illness due to a rare and aggressive cancer on February 21, 2015. Devoted wife of Graeme for 34 years, loving mother and tireless advocate for Cameron (Cam) and the late Emily (Emmy), beloved daughter of Ken and Judy Gillis, dear sister to Nancy (Bruce), Sandy (Mike) and Scott (Emma), caring aunt and loyal friend. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Karen began a promising career in banking at the Bank of Montreal. When it became apparent that Cam required more support, she gave up her business career without hesitation. She worked tirelessly to address Cameron's many needs and provided him with her love and unwavering dedication. Over the years that followed, Karen threw her dogged determination and boundless love into supporting Emmy through her medical challenges. Her persistence and attentiveness ensured that Emmy got the best possible care throughout her journey. More importantly, she gave Emmy the wings to become a resilient and compassionate young woman who, like her mother, never complained about the inequities of life. Karen was a devoted volunteer and supported a variety of causes including Centennial Infant and Child Centre, Variety Village, Canadian Association for Riding for the Disabled and Northlea United Church. Despite the many challenges life threw at her, Karen always found time for others. Friends and family enjoyed the results of Karen's talents in the kitchen. She loved to read and was constantly ready with book titles or information tidbits. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Thursday, March 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will take place on Friday, March 6, at 1:30 p.m. in NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH (125 Brentcliffe Road), followed by a reception at the Estates of Sunnybrook (Vaughan Estate), 2075 Bayview Avenue. If you would like to honour Karen's life, please consider a donation to either of the causes nearest to her heart, The Emmy Duff Scholarship Foundation (www.emmyduffscholarship.org/donate.html) or Cam's Variety Village L.I.N.K.s programme (www.varietyvillage.ca/community-links.php?menu=3). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.