KAREN MIKADO

1971 ~ 2017

To know her was to love her.

We are overwhelmingly saddened to announce the sudden passing of our beloved Karen Mikado on May 5, 2017, at the age of 45 years. Karen was the cherished mother of Taya and Sam, who were her greatest pride and joy. She was the dearly loved daughter of Mary Vanden Elzen, twin sister of Cory (Jennifer), sister of Annette (James) Schnepper, and Jeff (Laurene).

She was an amazing aunt to her nieces and nephews; Jackie, Graham, Madeline, Charlotte, John, Paul, Gina and Brady. Karen will also be missed by the Mikado family; Patti (Jim) Spencer, James (Chiemi) Mikado, Ron Mikado and all their extended family.

Karen will also be dearly missed by all aunts, uncles and cousins with whom she shared many extraordinary happy times.

Born on May 12, 1971, she grew up on the family farm in the Readymade area and graduated from Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale. She continued her studies in nursing at Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge (RN BN). In 1995, she married her beloved Don Mikado. With her caring, compassionate and charismatic manner she was a shining light in the world, an incredible friend to everyone. Karen had a vivacious personality with a passion for travel and adventure. With her beautiful smile, she brought joy to everyone. She enjoyed running marathons, flying, skydiving, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, and riding her motorbike. She wasn’t afraid to try something new and more often than not she excelled in anything she tried. Through her wonderful example, her daughters have learned to be kind, loving and to live life to its fullest.

Karen was a talented enthusiastic instructor in the nursing department at Lethbridge College and a caring recovery-room nurse at Able Dental. She will be sadly missed by her fellow nurses, co-workers and the students who she greatly inspired.

Karen is now reunited with her soulmate Don, her father Adrian, and her mother and father-in-law Sam and June.

Karen is forever treasured in our memories.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, May 12, 2017 at the SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 – 4 Ave., S., Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend James Grunden, officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family graveside service at a later date.