Karen Louise Cookson, known to many simply as Karen, was born on April 11, 1949, in Killam, Alberta, and she departed this world on July 15, 2026, in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, after a courageous battle with cancer. She lived her life with a gentle strength and a steadfast heart, and those who were blessed to know her shall long remember her as selfless, generous, and loving. In the quiet measure of her days and in the bright company of her family and friends, she made her life a blessing, and her memory now stands as a noble light that time shall not easily dim.

Karen was raised in Lougheed, Alberta and attended Sedgewick High School, where the early shaping of her character was already plain to see. She carried into adulthood a spirit of diligence and warmth, and she devoted decades of faithful labour as a parts woman for John Deere in Killam, Lethbridge, and Duncan, British Columbia. In that work she was known not only for her skill and dependability, but also for the kindness with which she met each day, serving others with a steady hand and an open heart. Her years of employment were not merely a record of service, but a testament to her perseverance and her quiet pride in a job well done.

Beyond her work, Karen’s life was richly adorned with fellowship, sport, and loyal devotion. She was an avid fan of the Edmonton Oilers, and her enthusiasm for the game was a lively flame that never waned. She loved women’s fastball with all the ardour of a true champion, and she was always found behind the plate, guiding her team from the position of catcher with confidence and resolve. With the Lougheed Rockets, she claimed a provincial championship, a triumph that spoke to her talent and determination. She was also a valued member of the Juniors Ladies fastball team in Edmonton in the late 1960s, where she helped write another bright chapter in her sporting life. For years she stood as a staunch supporter of the Killam Jr. B Wheat Kings, cheering them on with steadfast loyalty, and she delighted in collecting John Deere toys to share with her great grandsons, a tender habit that revealed the sweetness of her affection.

In her family, Karen’s love found its truest home. She is survived by her spouse, Jean Hamm, her daughter Leslie Cookson, and her son Steve Cookson and Christine Towers. She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren Shelby and Sandy Decoste, Ashton and Kaybree Cookson, and Ebony and Cole Armstrong, together with five great grandsons who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her sister Sandra and Glenn Grant, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who knew her care and kindness. Though her heart was large enough to embrace many, she held her family closest, and her love for them was constant, practical, and deep.

Karen was predeceased by her mother Gladys Lien, her father Henry Lien, and her brother Barry Lien. Though death has taken her from the sight of those she loved, it cannot take the goodness she bestowed, nor the laughter, loyalty, and comfort she gave so freely. Her life was a rare and gracious thing, marked by devotion to family, faithfulness in work, and joy in the simple and splendid things of this world. In her passing, the earth has lost one of its gentle souls, yet her story remains, spoken in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Let it be remembered that Karen walked among us with humility and grace, and that she made ordinary moments shine by the warmth of her presence. She was a woman of steadfast purpose, of generous spirit, and of enduring love. Though the final curtain has fallen upon her earthly life, the echo of her kindness shall endure, and those who loved her shall carry her forward in memory, as one carries a cherished song, as Tina Turner would say, she was “Simply the Best”. May she rest in peace, and may her name be spoken with gratitude and love for many years to come.