It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Marie Sears, age 52, of Westcock, NB. Surrounded by her family and close friends, Karen passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Sackville Memorial Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Sackville, NB, she was a daughter of the late Ernest and Gwendolyn (Gulliver) Sears.
Karen will be dearly missed by her loving husband Nelson Luz Cabral, Westcock; children Jasmine and Finnian Cabral, along with Luna The Portuguese Water Dog, at home; brother Brian (Norma) Sears, Wood Point, NB; sister Rhonda (Tim) Dean, Halifax, NS; father-in-law, Joao Freitas Cabral, Mississauga, ON; sister-in-law Jean (Jan) Sterken, Burlington, ON; brother-in-law Steven (Lorie) Cabral, Milton, ON; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Randy.
Karen worked in advertising and marketing agencies in management, executive, and strategy roles during her working career. She volunteered on the Boards of Live Bait Theatre and Sackville 20/20 for many years. She loved making music and playing guitar with family and friends, performing in community theatre productions, mainly musicals, as well as cooking, baking, reading, bike rides on the dykes, and gardening. She was a member of the Sackville United Church and its senior choir since she was 13. She also loved to travel and try delicious foods. She and Nelson enjoyed ballroom dancing, family trips to Disney World, relaxing on their back deck, and other places making treasured memories, including their cottage at the shore. The beach was her "happy place".
Motherhood gave her such joy. Her children were the bright lights in her days, and her treasures. Finnian will miss reading with Mom, and Jasmine, their Ukulele classes – and both will miss Friday Night Family Movie Nights.
Karen was also a deeply spiritual person. In the past two years, Karen took strength and encouragement from a small contemplative group of "Soul Sisters" who themselves were strengthened and inspired by her insight, her positivity, and her gratitude in the face of illness. She also continued to nurture her many friendships, including regular Zoom calls with her "Sista's Group" on Saturday nights. Her friends appreciated her generous heart, her boundless enthusiasm and her quirky sense of humour.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300). A private family service will be held at Jones Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 2 pm. The funeral will be streamed for those unable to attend, and may be seen by visiting her obituary on the funeral home website.
Those wishing to make a donation in Karen's memory may do so to The Canadian Cancer Society, Sackville United Church, or The Canadian Diabetes Association, in her honour.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.