Obituary of Karen Elizabeth Janzen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Elizabeth Janzen (nee Woodcock) at the age of 57 in St. Catharines, Ontario on May 14^th.

Karen was born and lived her life in St. Catharines. She attended Woodland School and then Beamsville High School. Karen enjoyed school and was an enthusiastic participant in many activities and sports. She was an outstanding athlete and was “Born to Run” as an accomplished sprinter and hurdler. Karen obtained a Food and Drug Technology Diploma at Durham College and then a Medical Laboratory Technologist Diploma from Mohawk College graduating with Honours. She worked for many years at MDS Labs/LifeLabs followed by hospital work at St. Mary’s and Hamilton General Hospitals.  

Karen thoroughly enjoyed playing softball with the Jordan High Lifes, participating in Tough Mudders, drinking wine at 13^th Street Winery, and in her last years learned to play golf with her favourite people. She loved her yearly vacations with her boys and family to Camp Norberts. Karen will always be remembered for her sun tans, infectious laugh and love of Bruce Springsteen.

Karen silently fought a tough battle of lymphoma. She inspired those around her by her strong will, and perseverance while maintaining a sweet disposition. We would like to thank her dear friends Marian VanderZalm, Jenny Tennant, Audrey Dodd and her companion Rick Janzen for their love and support during her illness. We are grateful for the outstanding care of Dr. Salib, Nurse Kathleen and the staff at the Walker Cancer Centre.

Karen will be deeply missed by her children Jordan (Makayla DeContie) Petrykowski, Josh Petrykowski and grandson Xander, parents Ron and Phyllis Woodcock, siblings Ron (Tina) Woodcock, Cheryl (Ted) Rosts, Dave (Angie) Woodcock, Aunt Marion Woodcock and Lisa Woodcock and Rick Janzen. She will be forever 22 to her nieces and nephews; Jeremy, Eric (Jerika), Ella, Ryan (Mandy), Mikayla (Dylan), Morgan, Steven, Cameron, Carlie, Reid, Zach, Evelyn, Naomi and Luke.  

The extended Woodcock family, many friends and neighbours will deeply miss Karen’s zest for a party and fun loving spirit because, “You can’t start a fire without a spark”.

Cremation has taken place.

The family will receive friends at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King Street, Vineland on Tuesday  May 24th from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday May 25^th at 1:00pm at St. John’s Church, Jordan.

Memorial donations may be made to the Walker Cancer Center or Wellspring Niagara.