1967-2022
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend and colleague Karen Favell, who passed at her home on Monday, January 17, 2022 with her little Muffin (Julie) at her side. She was 54.
Karen was born in Kenora, ON and was raised in St. Boniface, MB. She was a band member of the Wabigoon Ojibway First Nation. Karen was very accomplished having 5 degrees including a PhD in Education, which she was very proud of. She was an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.
Karen loved music; from classical to opera to the Beatles. She loved to go to pow wows and be with family. She enjoyed travelling; some of her favourites were Ireland, New York, and Europe. She was an inspiration to so many people. She was most proud of the difference she made in the lives of her students.
Many thanks to the Palliative Care Team for all their care and compassion.
A Wake Service will be held at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour on Friday, January 21 from 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 22 at 11:00 a.m. also at the chapel. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend both events; capacity limit is 200. All others can remain in their vehicle and tune their radios to 98.1 FM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.
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Sir James Paul McCartney
She was my number one fan.
Marina Diaz
You have been such a wonderful presence in my life. Enjoy your peace in this new journey. You will be in my heart forever.
To Julie and family…continue to inspire. She will never be far.
Debbie Washenfelder
Such a beautiful person to know as a friend and a colleague. It was an honor to know and spend time with Karen during her life on Earth. My sincere condolences to the family. Julie and Kids I feel for you. I hope that her memory and love will live in your hearts and will ease the pain of your grief you must feel. To her siblings may the creator bless you during this difficult time.
Bryan and Maggie Goethals
We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you Julie. Take care of yourself and the kids.
Sheila
Julie and family, my sincere condolences for your immense loss. I knew Karen from elementary school and had connected with her at two recent small school reunions and through Facebook. I remember a birthday party I attended of Karen’s (8 or 9 years old I’m guessing) that started at her family home and then Ponderosa. Karen was tasked with blowing out a sparkler candle which of course fizzled out before that was possible. She was fierce even back then. As you already know, Karen was great. I always admired her intellect and humour, both of which were refined. I’m in BC and unable to attend or tune in and will light a candle in Karen’s memory. I hope those who knew and loved her are able to hold each other up through fond memories, tears, and laughter. With love, Sheila Gauthier (Marion Elementary School).
Joy Eliuk
I think I remember that party. I definitely remember the one at her house where I laughed and milk came out my nose. I don’t ever remember getting together with her without some laughter. I miss her so much and her laughter and wit most of all. ♥️
Joy Eliuk
So very sorry for the loss of this incredible woman.
She was one of my oldest and dearest friends and she will be in my heart forever.
She has touched so many lives with her talent, her teachings, her wit and her kindness.
Condolences to her family from the bottom of my heart.
Annette Gallant
She had the best smile..enjoyed seeing you and your wife at Pride a few years ago. I’ve known you since grade school, quiet kid, the accomplishments are amazing. You got the best seats in the house.
Sally Hatcher
Julie,
We wish we could be at the Wake and the funeral but that is not possible. We will be there in spirit. Karen had a very special place in my life, and in my heart. I will miss her.
Our prayers and deep sympathy to you, Elizabeth, Connor, Karen’s Mum, and all her family.
We hold you all close and wish you peace.
Sally and Carla
Dallas
Mine and Jerry’s deepest condolences to the family and friends. Especially to Julie, Liz and Connor we are so sorry for your loss we send our love and hugs.
Leah Fontaine
I had met her and she was a true warrior with her educational endeavours. A loss indeed… my heartfelt condolences to her partner and affected families.. sending prayers And comforting hugs
Diane Savoie McDougall
Thinking of Karen and all of those who were near and dear to her heart. I went to elementary school with Karen and was also her neighbor for a period of time on DesMeurons. Always smiling and joyful.
Rest In Peace Karen as you venture into the next part of your journey.
❤️
Roberta Sinclair-Kemash
I had the pleaseure of getting to know Karen during our time playing volleyball seasonally. She was fun to be around, her laugh was infectious and I admired her courage to be unapologetically herself. She will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. A great human gone too soon. Sending prayers of much love and healing for the hearts of those who truly loved her. The Creator has bigger plans for her. Safe journey Karen!
Tamara
I first met Karen back in 1997 when she was working at the U of M with the Aboriginal Focus program, the next time we met was at Red River College where we both worked. I have fond memories of our 4 member band during our red river days, in fact I still have a song we practiced together on my phone from 2013! I recall her bringing in William Prince and Vince Fontaine among others to play for the students as part of her classroom teachings. It exposed me to the wonderful voice of William Prince, a fan ever since. Karen achieved so much in her short life and has touched the lives of many people, leaving an imprint on each of us. My condolences to Julie, their children, and Karen’s family. May Karen sing with her ancestors, free from all pain and suffering. RIP Dr. Favell
Helena T.
Karen was our beloved teacher in the Ed program at U of M. In her class we learned how to do beading, jigging and round dancing. She never forgot any of our names, and I don’t think her students will ever forget her. Sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Jared
Karen was a bright light in my time at the faculty of education. Patient, bold, caring and compassionate. She taught with honesty and openness. Karen was my favourite professor while I studied at the U of Ms faculty of education. I often found myself staying after class to share stories with Karen. I hold her lessons dearly as I continue forth as an educator. She has had a deeply positive impact on my life as a student and as a teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family in this time.
Allison Saunders
My most heartfelt condolences to Karen’s family and friends. I met Karen when she became my instructor at RRC; she was such an inspiration to us. She had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. Thank you Karen for all your valuable teachings and for your friendship, You will certainly be missed.
Shelley Coveney
I will forever remember Karen as one of the funniest people I’ve known. During lunches in the staff lounge in the Faculty of Education, it was often difficult to eat because she had us all laughing so hard. It was the best stress relief. She loved being with the support staff and we considered her one of us. Such a kind, caring, and totally awesome person. I will deeply miss her. My condolences to her family and all who knew her. To know her was to love her.
Isabel Bright
My heartfelt condolence to all of Karen’s family. I enjoyed many conversations, laughs, and lunches with Karen when we were colleagues at Red River College. May memories of Karen comfort you though her journey.
Jeremy
Karen Favell was one of my favourite Instructors in the BEd program at the University of Manitoba. So sorry to learn of her passing this week, so young and full of knowledge, love, humour and joy. My sincere condolences to her wife Julie and their children.
I had Karen for Aboriginal Education in Fall 2019 and for Cross-Cultural Education in Winter 2020. Her personal insights and experiences, her self-deprecating stories, her wealth of personality and her teaching and guidance earned the respect and admiration of her students.
Karen treated everyone with equal opportunity and potential, but did not suffer fools. She co-created strong bonds and new friendships with many of her students, who continued to keep connected with her after the courses were completed.
Kinanâskomitin, Karen, I am grateful to you. Be free.
David Delay
A wonderful colleague who will be missed. Condolences to the family.
DarleneThurston
Can’t believe Karen has passed. She was so full of life and had a heart of gold. Her achievements are great but she always remained humble. Karen often reminded me that we were friends since grade 2. Even though our lives got busy and years passed I never forgot my cherished friend. I enjoyed catching up with her. I remember when she told me she was getting married she was so happy. Karen told me that she never dreamt that she would get the wife, kids and white picket fence. Thank you Julie and kids, you gave Karen a home and great happiness. Forever missed.
Darlene Thurston
Colleen Robinson
I am so sorry I missed the service and wasn’t able to make it. It was heartfelt the last conversation we had together and that she thought of me to call me . I will never forget our crazy fun times I had with you and Billy and always laughing so hard until we cried. I will always remember how you played at Larry’s service and said you were so nervous but did it anyways because I had asked you. You were an awesome pianist and excelled at everything you accomplished in your short time here on Mother Earth. Condolences to your wife and kids and your mom, brother and family. Say Hi to Larry and my sister Irene for me.
Marion Terry
This is an email message that I wrote to Karen in the morning on January 17, after she wrote me about her meeting with MAID that afternoon. Just thinking about that day still makes me cry . . . I do so wish it didn’t have to happen. Karen lived so well. She should have lived much longer.
Karen
If you read this before the meeting, I want you to know how very much you have meant to me. In you I see the person that I wish I could be.
You actually appreciate the work that I do, and the spirit with which I do it.
You made me feel valued, and I thank you deeply for that.
You are courageous and loyal to your family and friends.
You have made a huge difference in how the people you know experience life.
You have an incredible sense of humour.
You not only accept joy, but you create it.
You are definitely the best teacher I have ever met.
You taught me to look inside students to appreciate what they need.
You bring grace to your world, and you share that world with the rest of us.
You even chose to die with grace.
I envy you, Karen.
You are leaving an earthly world that you have made beautiful.
I love you.
I will miss you.
— Marion
p.s.
My tears are with your family, as well.
Your parents and siblings are grieving before their time.
Julie has been God’s gift to you.
Your lessons will carry on through your children.