Karen Joan (Hooey) Hanbidge

HANBIDGE-Karen Joan Hanbidge (nee Hooey) born May 12, 1938, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Fairhaven Peterborough ON, on July 28, at the age of 88.

Predeceased by her husband John Roger Hanbidge and her parents Helen Hooey Leslie and Bert Hooey.

Loving mother of Darren and his wife Susan and Bryan Powers and his wife Wendy.

Survived by her brother George Hooey, his wife Pat, and their family.

Cherished grandma to Adam Hanbidge and his wife Kim, Larissa Hanbidge and her partner Thomas Teasdale, Selena Powers and her husband Russell Pulkys and Tyler Powers and his wife Brittany.

Karen had 11 beautiful great grandchildren.

Karen was a tenacious, hardworking woman. She trained as a Registered Nurse at Peterborough Civic Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1959 she went on to serve her community with compassion and skill. She worked at the Peterborough Clinic and Peterborough Civic Hospital in Labour and Delivery.

After leaving her nursing career, Karen and Roger built a life together on their dairy farm, Rokar Farms, in Cavan. A proud Jersey farmer and true perfectionist, Karen took great pride in showing their dairy cattle across Ontario. She approached everything she did with care, pride, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Karen and Roger sold their dairy farm in 1991 and relocated to Norwood Terrace in Peterborough where they embraced city life. They spent their time entertaining, camping and travelling.

Karen was deeply involved in her community. She was a longtime member of the Peterborough Curling Club and a former President of the Women’s Section. She was also a member of the Peterborough Jersey Association, the Ontario Milk Marketing Board, Jubilaires Choir, and a member of the Springville and Northminster Church communities. Karen was an active and dedicated volunteer at PRHC,Telecare and Activity Haven.

Karen was known for having impeccable style and a strong flair for fashion and design.

She had a remarkable gift for sewing and quilting. She was a master seamstress and created beautiful, handcrafted treasures for family and friends such as Christmas tree skirts, stockings, wedding attire, tablecloths, clothing, quilts and many other cherished keepsakes. Her work will be treasured for generations to come.

She also cherished life's joyful moments and loved to dance, sing, dress up, attend the theatre, and enjoy music with Roger.

Karen found joy in making special treats for those she loved, including red pepper jelly, coleslaw, pickles, Christmas pudding, and rhubarb pies. She was an exceptional baker and cook.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at Fairhaven LTC Home for their compassion, care and support. We are beyond grateful for the kindness, patience and dignity the staff provided Karen during her stay. We are also thankful to Joanne Brown for her companionship and devoted visits, which brightened Karen's days with laughter, warmth and caring conversation. We are also sincerely thankful to Maureen Pickett for your love and faithful friendship through the years. Your support meant so much to Karen and our family.

Following cremation a private family service is being held.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider making a donation to Heart and Stroke or Fairhaven LTC.