ALMOND, Karen Ann
(May 9, 1956 - September 25, 2016)
At the youthful age of 60, Karen passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Karen was the loving wife of Bill Hewitt, beloved daughter of Noel Almond and the late Florence Almond (nee Thomas) and daughter-in-law of Hazel and the late William Hewitt. She was the cherished sister of Neil Almond (Jennifer) and sister-in-law of Andy Hewitt (Marden) and Freida Hewitt. Karen was the much respected step-sister of Jamie Clark (Karen) and Rob Clark (Marie). She was the greatly loved aunt of Ryan (Siska), Melissa, Greg (Tayah), Kyle, Jessalyn, Evan (Kirsten), Mitchell, Rachel, Colin, Ashley and Julia. As well as great aunt to Merissa, Sam, Kyler, Ava, Essi, Hesse and Reid.

Since Karen’s initial diagnosis in 2012, she fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. To all who knew and loved her it was nothing short of extraordinary that she was able to accomplish the many things that she did. The endless amount of strength and energy that Karen possessed can be attributed to the fact that she loved and thoroughly enjoyed her life. She felt that she had lived a great life and was most thankful for it.

Karen’s professional life started as an entry level employee for an insurance broker, she quickly realized how much she enjoyed the industry and realized the growth potential in her field. With relentless ambition she forged her own path and that transpired into the position of Senior Vice-President with C.I.T., where she was Chief Operating Officer for Global Insurance Services. Karen never backed down from a challenge in business or in life and this trait enabled her to live life to the fullest.

She was the world’s most insatiable shopper and never missed an opportunity to check out the stores wherever she was. She had a massive collection of lime green, orange, purple and coral clothing which, she was totally able to carry off with beauty and panache! Karen also had a great love of travel, art, gardening, cooking, murder mystery books, sailing and skiing.

Karen and Bill purchased a property outside Ellicottville, NY. in 2009. At that time they took up skiing where Karen continued to ski enthusiastically up until last winter despite being seriously ill. In fact, after being re-diagnosed one of her goals was to ski again and that she did many times, doing more and more runs with each trip to the hill. She was a force to be reckoned with. Karen was a member of the Bronte Yacht Club for over 30 years and skippered her father's boat (aptly named Karena) with him as crew.

Karen always had time to volunteer in the community and lend a hand to family or friends in need. She could always be relied upon to give advice and guidance and this was often balanced by her great sense of wit and humour. Finally, Karen's generosity of spirit, will be sorrowfully missed, by all who had the joy of knowing her. Godspeed sweet angel.

Great thanks go out to all of the staff, nurses and doctors at Mt Sinai Hospital in the Outpatient Oncology Department and in particular to Dr R. Burkes, for all of the love and care they showed toward Karen during her journey with them. They always treated her with respect and could never do enough for her. Karen’s final days at home would not of been possible without the support of Dr. Pyle, Dr. Benjamin and our steadfast nurse Glenann -- their dedication to Karen allowed us the gift of keeping her at home with us until the last moment.

Celebration of Karen’s life will be held at the Bronte Harbour Banquet and Conference Centre, 2340 Ontario Street, Oakville on Sunday, October 23, 2016 from 3-6p.m. with a service at 3:30p.m.

Floral tributes -which will be delivered to local hospices and care centres following the Celebration of life or a donation to Ian Anderson House in memory of Karen would be greatly appreciated by the family.