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Karen Jean Bowcott

December 29, 2018

Karen Jean Bowcott

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Jean Bowcott (Smaback) on December 29th 2018. Following a courageous battle with cancer, Karen passed away peacefully at home in her sleep with her devoted family by her side.

Predeceased by her Dad, Ted Smaback, Karen is survived by her husband of 33 years Chris, their three boys, Aaron (Jess), David (Ashley), Gregory (Leticia) and blessed with the timely arrival of Granddaughter Kamila Jean December 8, 2018.  Also survived by her Mom Alfie, Sister Kathy and family, Sister Kristine, Stew and family, mother-in-law Eileen, and sister and brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends.

Missing Karen are her much loved grand-dogs, Teddy and Pepper, who will miss their many sleepovers and daily walks.

Following the completion of her Teaching Certificate from SFU, Karen was a longtime employee (35 years) with the Langley School District and was an exceptional elementary school teacher.

Karen lived a life full of family, fun, sun and travelling adventures. She loved to plan and organize family trips to Hawaii, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Cabo San Lucas, and Birch Bay. She loved music, dancing, singing, reading, movies, fantasy football and Lotus Flower.

An avid sports fan, Karen was a keen supporter of the Seahawks, BC Lions, Whitecaps, SFU Clansmen Football, Langley Rams Football and UBC Thunderbirds Football.

But Karen’s greatest joy and accomplishments were her family, devoting her life to her three boys. A hero in their eyes, Karen was always greatly involved in the boys’ lives, supporting and encouraging them in all their scholastic, musical, and athletic endeavors.

Karen will always be remembered for her creativity, hard work, and dedication and devotion to her family!

Special thanks to Dr. Richard Welsh of Gateway Health, Dr. Shaikh and all the staff at Abbotsford Cancer Clinic. Special mention to Abbotsford Palliative Care staff, including: Abbotsford Home Care Nursing, Nurse Kelly & her colleagues and Beverly and her fellow Home Support aides who were all very supportive and caring.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 1 pm on Saturday January 26 at Langley Golf and Banquet Centre at 21550 44 avenue, Langley. All are welcome to share memories of Karen.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

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Messages of Condolence

Wonderful memories of childhood times with Karen, from grade one through twelve, birthdays & brownies etc. My thoughts and prayers to her families. ~ Genie Toutant (Ludwig)

Chris, Aaron, David and Gregory, I loved your Mom she was an amazing lady and mother, my condolence's to you all, she will be missed but never forgotten. I will be at the service on Saturday. Dan ~ Daniel Sault

My heart is heavy for you Chris, Aaron, David & Gregory. I am so happy that Karen was able to meet her first grandbaby. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. ~ Betty Sorensen

I think of the family that she has left behind and a tear comes to my eye but a smile comes to my face and into my heart when I think of Karen and all the fun times we shared and for her friendship. ~ Diane kuhn

Chris, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Rob & Claudia Keam ~ Rob Keam

We were saddened to hear of Karen’s passing, sending all our love to her family and many friends at this time who are missing her so much. ~ Susan and Joseph Fifer

So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. She was a wonderful Teacher on Call for me when I was absent from the classroom and was much appreciated by all the teachers I worked with over the years. My condolences to her family. ~ Jean Bobbett

Chris, so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. My condolences to you and your loved ones. ~ Bernie Hoyer

Thinking of you all with sadness, love and our sincerest condolences. Karen will always be remembered for her enthusiastic laughter, athletic abilities and the love she shared for her family and garden. Take comfort in knowing so very many of us share your loss and will hold you in our hearts to help you through this very sad time. RIP dear friend. Colleen & Doug Schellenberg ~ Colleen & Doug Schellenberg

I am absolutely heartbroken about Karen. My deepest sympathies to her family. ~ Jan Bryce

Chris and sons - Keeping you all in our thoughts and remembering Karen with a smile as we think of her cheering on Greg at the ball field. ~ Grant & Melody Davis

So, so sad to hear about Karen. My deepest condolences to her family. My thoughts, prayers and hugs will be with you all at her service. ~ Linda Merritt

Karen was my best friend for four years in primary school and I remember her as smart, kind and fun - the perfect bestie for a little girl - and as I read her obituary it is clear those qualities followed her into adulthood. Our sincere condolences to Chris and family, Mrs. Smaback, Kathy and Kris. ~ Barb Mykle-Hotzon

I am so very sorry to read of Karen's passing. From grade one together at Willoughby Elementary to graduation at Mountain Senior Secondary. What a beautiful life she created for herself and her family. My condolences and may the family find strength in their shared grief, love, compassion and knowing she is at peace. ~ Karen Mena (Murray)

I am so saddened to hear of Karen's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Chris and your family as well as Kathy, Mrs. Smaback and Kristine and your families. I am so glad that Karen had a chance to meet her beautiful little granddaughter! ~ Naomi Stuart-Chiu

Thinking of you with heartfelt sadness, Chris and boys, Kris, Stew, Kathy, Mrs. Smaback and family. She was a lovely person, caring, smiling, genuine. She will be missed by so many. Sending you our love and hugs. Jill and Garry Dawe ~ Jill Moss

Keeping you all in our prayers during this difficult time. Karen’s photo is how I always remember her with a her classic smile. May God comfort you with his embrace each day going forward. ~ Heidi and Pat Rohla

Our deepest condolences to the Bowcott and Smaback families on the loss of Karen. We will always have fond memories of her. She leaves behind a wonderful family and many friends who will continue the spirit and love of Karen. ~ Vance and Nicole McEachern

Chris and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Karen. She was a kind loving person, and there was nothing more important to her than her family. My thoughts are with all of you as you transition to your life with the void her passing leaves. ~ Kathy Hamon