SEPTEMBER 20, 1948 – MAY 28, 2024
A magnificent light has gone out and our world will never be the same. It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and gramma, Karen Ann Slater (nee Hilborn) at the age of 75 on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. Karen had a deep passion for life, loved her friends and family dearly and always enjoyed a glass of wine.
Born in Galt, Ontario, Karen spent her formative years in Rockton, before attending high school in Galt. It was there that she met her future husband, Ronald. Together, they would build a family and embark on a 58-year journey filled with wonderful travels, adventures and lifelong friendships. Together, Karen and Ron visited dozens of countries and Islands, but England and the Isle of Mann held a special place in their hearts, and they enjoyed many visits with their friends and family who lived there.
Karen and Ron cultivated deep friendships over the years, and they looked forward to their monthly gatherings with the poker club gang.
A catalyst for bringing people together and making connections, Karen could quickly meet a stranger and make them a dear friend. She was outgoing, expressive, and a self-described “wealth of useless information,” making her a great addition to any trivia team.
A dedicated wife, mother and gramma, Karen was also an accomplished career woman who took an immense of amount of pride in her work as an Office Administrator at various companies including Funcraft campers, RE/MAX, Trans World Real Estate and Hallink Moulds Inc.
Karen is survived by her cherished husband, Ronald, daughter Janet, son Jamie (David Kirk), granddaughter Veronica, sisters Billie, Andrea (Tom Berry), Adrienne, brother Brian (Lorie Easton), sister-in-law Joanne (Roger Allard) and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her mother Georgette Gillespie, father Bill Hilborn and stepfather, Earl Gillespie. She is also predeceased by her beloved grandparents Elva and Alfred Hilborn, affectionately known as Nana and Papa, and her beloved fur baby, Abby the pug.
Karen’s family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at Cambridge Memorial Hospital who contributed to her care.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Preston Legion at 12:30 p.m. Memories will be shared at 1 p.m. promptly followed by refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people make donations to a charity of their choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Barthel Funeral Home
