October 17, 1945 - February 5, 2025
In loving memory ~
Karen Grout, Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away at her home on Shuswap Lake on Feb 5, 2025, at the age of 79.
Karen was predeceased by her loving husband Peter Grout, and her parents Orton and Ruth Pretty. Karen leaves behind her children, Jeff (Kim) Grout, Phil (Kendra) Grout, and Chris (Gayle) Grout. She cherished her grandchildren Aiden, Rowan, Tieran, Sienne, Linnae, Amelia, Elyse, and Owen. She is survived by her sister, Marcia (John) O'Rae of Sarnia, Ontario.
Karen was born in Kelowna, BC but the family moved back to Sarnia, Ontario where Karen grew up. In school, she was well known for her cheerful personality and her participation in all school activities and sports. Following high school, Karen moved on to nursing school where she met her future husband Peter at an Engineering and Nursing dinner and dance.
Their loved blossomed swiftly, culminating in their marriage in September 1968. After the wedding, they moved to London, England where Karen worked as a nurse while Peter completed his studies for his PhD in Engineering.
Upon returning to Canada, Karen and Peter settled in Montreal, where they welcomed their 3 boys. The family later moved west to Calgary, where Karen found work in the operating room (OR) at Rockyview General Hospital where she completed her 30-year nursing career. Her nursing skills were also put to good use at home as she diagnosed and organized treatment for a range of injuries suffered by the boys and their friends in various sporting pursuits in rugby, football, basketball and volleyball. She regular employed her famous home-made mustard plasters to remedy chest colds. Karen particularly enjoyed cross country skiing in Kananaskis country in the nearby Rocky Mountains and vacations at the family cabin on Shuswap Lake. She had a broad social network of friends from nursing and social clubs with a special mention to the ladies of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
Retiring to the Shuswap in 2004, Karen and Peter built their dream home beside the lake and enjoyed travelling. Karen continued to pursue her passion sewing and produced a wide variety of quilts and hand-crafted items for her friends and family. Karen also enjoyed socializing with friends and family passing through the area, connecting with friends at the local chapter of the Red Hat Society for women, the Imperial Oil Annuitants Club and the PROBUS group.
Karen was a strong supporter of higher education and supported her grandchildren so they could pursue their post-secondary aspirations. She also donated generously to the local Salmon Arm Hospital and causes related to Parkinson's research.
We'll miss you mom.
Rest in peace.
A memorial Service to honor and celebrate Karen's life will be held a Bower's Funeral Home, 440 10th Street SW, Salmon Arm, BC, on Saturday June 21, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Parkinson's Canada or Kelowna General Hospital Foundation- Movement Disorder Clinic in memory of Peter and Karen Grout.
To share condolences with the family, please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com
