Karen Ruth Ward (Estabrooks)

Karen Ward, 74, of Sackville NB, passed away peacefully at the Sackville Memorial Hospital on Saturday, July 18, 2026.  Born August 8, 1951, in Sackville, New Brunswick, Karen was a daughter of the late Horace "Vincent" and Doris (Bulmer) Estabrooks.

Karen worked at the Drew Nursing Home after receiving her GED diploma. She then studied at the NBCC Moncton and worked at the Sackville Regional Hospital and Cumberland Regional Health Care Center, serving the Tantramar and Amherst regions as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Karen loved and adored her family.  She is survived by her loving husband Neil; her daughter Heather (Ti-Jean) LeBlanc, Cocagne; her sons, Devin Ward, Sackville, and Colin Ward, Summerside; her cherished grandchildren Stephanie (Drew) Arsenault, Justin (Janelle Richard) Ward, Julie, Justice, Hayden, and Zackary; her great grandchildren, Hunter, Mason, Hailey. She is also survived by her brothers Daryl (Tootsie) and Colin (Jena) Estabrooks, along with sister-in-law Gloria Estabrooks, brothers-in-law Michael and Roger (Pat) Ward, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her mother and father-in-law Harold and Madeline Ward; her brother Bruce; her daughter-in law Kristia (Arsenault) Ward; her nephew, Philip Landry, and her sister-in-law Joan.

Karen spent much of her early life devoted to raising her children and caring for her family as a homemaker. She also worked many years at the Sackville Dairy Bar before courageously deciding later in life to pursue a completely new path in the medical field. After the age of 50, Karen accomplished something that inspired everyone around her — she returned to school to earn her GED after leaving school in Grade 10, then continued on to nursing school where she became both an LPN and RNA, proudly working at the Drew Nursing Home as well as the Sackville and Amherst Hospitals. Caring for others became one of the greatest passions of her life, and she took tremendous pride in helping those in need during the golden years of her life.

Karen had a vibrant spirit and a love for life. She loved singing and playing guitar and even performed in her own rock band throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, entertaining crowds at bluegrass events, bars, dances, and parties. She loved spending time at the beach and at the cottage, and many nights were spent playing bingo with her mother chasing the "big jackpot," later joined by her daughter Heather, creating memories and laughter that would last a lifetime.

Karen also loved traveling. Whether visiting family and friends in Digby, Nova Scotia, making trips to St. John’s, Newfoundland, or enjoying Caribbean cruises, she cherished every adventure. However, some of her happiest moments were spent at the family’s vacation home in Florida, where she loved relaxing and entertaining family and friends.

She was a talented cook, well known for her famous chocolate cake with boiled icing. She enjoyed quilting, playing crib, and trying her luck at the casino whenever she had the chance.

Karen was honest, direct, stubborn, hardworking, and fiercely loyal to those she loved. Many described her as "a tough ole Estabrooks girl" — a woman who endured more pain and hardship than most people ever realized, yet continued to fight tooth and nail to stay with the people she loved most: her husband, children, and grandchildren.

She was also a very hard worker from a young age and spent much of her life helping care for her siblings and both of her parents growing up — a role she carried with strength, responsibility, and love.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300).  A public visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 11:30 am until the time of the funeral at 1 pm.  Interment to follow in the Westcock Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Karen may be made to the Westcock Cemetery, Sackville Minor Hockey, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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.