Karen McGuire

Obituary

Called home to God, our angel here on earth, Karen Diane McGuire (nee Snyder) peacefully passed away suddenly at her sister Nancy’s home, on Friday, March 25, 2022.  Karen was born on July 20, 1956, in Kitchener, Ontario. She was the loving daughter of parents Norman Snyder (1926-2012) and Rita Margaret Snyder (nee Eadie, 1930-1999). She is survived by loving daughters, Sarah McGuire and Emma McGuire, and husband, Al McGuire.  Karen leaves behind her beloved sisters, Nancy Schneider (nee Snyder), Joanne Snyder and Judy Renwick (nee Snyder). Karen loved her son-in-law, Housam and her brother-in-laws, Jack Schneider and Jeff Renwick with whom she shared many laughs through out the years.  She was adored by her Goddaughters, Tarah & Laura Schneider, and her many nieces and nephews.

Karen’s name means pure, divine, brave and loving and this is how she lived her life.  To so many, she was a modern-day Joan of Arc. She was a fierce defender of her family, friends and coworkers, ready to speak out whenever there was an injustice or emotional pain caused by others, always in support of those she loved and cared for.

Growing up in the 60’s, Karen aptly avoided social pressure and focused on school.  Highly intelligent, Karen attended Fanshawe College and earned her Diagnostic Imaging Technology degree.  In the beginning, Karen practiced in general radiography at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, until she relocated to Southampton to begin her life with her husband, Al.  Karen eventually changed her professional focus to specializing in Mammography where she applied her expertise at Owen Sound Regional Health Centre for 36 years.  She eventually became the Charge Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging (Mammography).  She was known for being empathic and kind to her patients and was appreciated by many of them for her compassion.

Karen always said how everything changed for her when she had her children. Her family was her heart, and she worried over and took care of them until the end, sometimes to the exclusion of her own needs. Karen was a free spirit, she valued loyalty, honesty, and authenticity. She loved music; all of it; everything from Carole King to Beethoven. She was an accomplished pianist who would enjoy playing with her sister Nancy sitting beside her, turning the music sheets for her.

Karen had retired only a few weeks ago and was planning her next phase in life.  She was excited and happy with the prospects of travelling, playing the piano more often and spending time with her family and friends.  She even thought about learning how to arrange silk flowers.

Karen was an amazing cook, trying out different recipes and spices. Aside from that, she enjoyed walking the Bruce trails with her children and dogs, reading and playing games on her phone, watching movies on Netflix and Prime.  The month before she passed, she was watching ‘The Final Kingdom’ series on Netflix, wrapped in her bathrobe, snuggling with her little Dachshund, Tilly who was always right beside her.  Karen loved Tilly so very much.  She would often kiss her on her nose and say, “Granny Meme loves you Tee-Tee”.  She had a deep love for animals, from her rescue dogs, Juniper and Willy to all the animals her children would bring home through out the years.

Karen had an amazing sense of humor and a beautiful laugh.  She would often get you laughing so hard you had a hard time catching your breath. Her wit was sharp, and she was known to share her truth, in hopes of helping you see a new perspective. She was kind, generous and compassionate. Even when she spoke in anger, she was often the first to apologize and to try to heal what was broken. She believed in autonomy and dignity and a person’s right to choose the life they want. She struggled with the concept of tough love and was fiercely independent and private. She loved her entire family, She worried about them, rooted for them, protected them, resented them, forgave them, and always kept on loving them.

To say that her family and friends will miss her greatly is an understatement. Karen will be desperately missed by all those that she’s left behind. Our hearts are so broken by this unexpected loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. She wished to be remembered and acknowledged as intelligent, hard working, loving mother, loyal, unselfish friend and esteemed, respected colleague.

Karen’s final resting place is at the Eagleson Funeral Home in Southampton.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held also at Eagleson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 31 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Breast Cancer Society of Canada, or Crohn’s & Colitis Canada, in Karen’s name.