With heavy hearts, the family of Karen Elaine Kotanen-Atack shares the news of her passing on September 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Karen was a devoted wife to Robert “Bob” Atack and a caring mother to Andrea (Ronan) Lyman, Kristin Lyman, and Warren (Kristina) Lyman. She also embraced her role as stepmother to Shelley (Matt) Schweigert.
She took great pride in being a grandmother to Alex and Mattius Brothers, Hezekiah and Apphia Lyman, along with Emma, Brendan, and Gabriella Schweigert.
Born on November 12, 1954, Karen grew up in Sudbury, Ontario, with strong Finnish heritage. She was the cherished daughter of Alfred Kotanen (who passed away in 2021) and Norma Kotanen (who passed away in 2023). Her siblings include Mark (Margaux) Kotanen and Stephen (Cristoff) Kotanen; she was predeceased by her sister Anne Mc Fadyen (George).
Karen started her education in Copper Cliff before completing Grade 13 in Sarnia. Her love for helping others inspired her to continue studying at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. There she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1975.
For over 50 years, Karen dedicated herself to nursing-truly a career that suited her well. She worked for 22 years at Freeport Hospital both as a Registered Nurse and manager before moving on to Paramed and the CCAC as a Case Worker and Regional Case Worker. Throughout it all, Karen remained committed to learning more about her field.
Caring for others came easily for Karen. She showed compassion, strength, and kindness to everyone around her-even after retirement when she found ways to keep helping others. Caring wasn’t just what she did; it was who she was.
After relocating to Sarnia in 2019, Karen realized retirement wasn’t quite right for her. Driven by her desire to assist others further and share what she’d learned over the years led her back into work with the Canadian Red Cross until the very end.
Karen was an intelligent woman filled with love and compassion. People admired her wonderful sense of humor and warmth-she had this unique way of bringing people together. To many friends and colleagues alike, she became like an extended mother-a person they could look up to for guidance or encouragement whenever needed.
As someone who cheered on those around her while radiating positivity that drew people close; truly no one can replace Karen.
During her career journey as a leader mentoring many students along their paths sharing invaluable insights with numerous caregivers; she encouraged advocacy especially for women who needed someone speaking up for them too! A quiet warrior-small yet powerful-Karen knew how crucial it is simply care deeply about other folks’ well-being!
Apart from work life itself-reading brought joy into Karens’ heart especially mystery stories along side historical documentaries! Also charitable endeavors mattered greatly where organizations like Alzheimer’s society Canadian Cancer Society Heart & Stroke Foundation Plan International World Vision Women’s Interval Home Sarnia-Lambton received generosity from Mrs. Kotanan-Atack!
You could often find Karen soaking up sunshine either tending plants outdoors enjoying beach time playing fetch with dogs or laughing alongside grandchildren providing endless happiness through those moments spent together!
The family wishes heartfelt thanks towards Canadian Red Cross staff members showing extra support & services offered throughout this journey – plus all friends colleagues caregivers present throughout these times shared significance beyond measure!
If you want honor memories made please consider donating instead flowers toward St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia-Lambton where much appreciation exists!
Karen left us far too soon but we hold tight knowing legacy lives on-not only via children grandchildren loved ones-but also countless friends coworkers community members whose lives intertwined through shared experiences enriched forevermore..
This world feels emptier without having our dear friend among us now but everywhere echoes remain reminding us exactly what kind soul cared profoundly: fierce yet gentle wise playful unmistakably impactful!
Might you always sense presence felt within hearts through strength held behind every hug wind gust surrounding each day ahead-we’ll strive forward fueled by love given freely too..
Karen will be deeply missed forever cherished never forgotten!
A Celebration of Life is planned before year-end details forthcoming shared publicly soon enough…
Original notice by Smith Funeral Home.
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