Karin, our beloved Mother and precious Nana, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Mineral Springs Hospital in Banff on June 24, 2014.
Karin was born in Salmon Arm, B.C. on June 5, 1924 to Karl and Elsa Wallensteen. She grew-up in Sunnybrae, on the shores of Shuswap Lake, alongside her brothers Henry and Karl, and her sisters Dagny, Elsa, and Astrid. Karin worked for Boeing Aircraft in Vancouver during World War II, moving west to Banff in March of 1946. Two weeks after she arrived, she was introduced to Jack MacAulay, a local boy, during a dance at the Cascade Hall. They married on October 19, 1946, and began a remarkable 54-year partnership that was committed to raising their family and actively participating in community life in Banff.
Karin was a wise and deeply insightful woman, and although she was shy by nature, she made friends easily. Her inherent kindness drew people to her and she welcomed their friendship unconditionally with an open mind and an understanding heart. Karin directed her quiet intelligence and natural athleticism into endless pursuits: mountain climbing, hiking, fishing, white water canoeing, fast cars (or at least, driving very fast), Sudoku, crossword puzzles, cribbage, board games, good books, theology, astronomy, philosophy – the list never ended.
She was proud of her Swedish heritage, and kept in touch with her extended family in Scandinavia throughout her life. Most of all, she loved Jack, her children, and her grandchildren. She knew that life could be marked with difficulty, but was unwavering in her belief that time, faith, hope, and love are the greatest healers. She will forever be our soft star that shines at night.
Karin is survived by her sons, Herb and John, daughters Karen, Shelley, Jodi (Grant Knowles), and Julie-Ann, grandsons Daniel Larg and Currie MacAulay, granddaughter Kelsey Larg, sisters Dagny Fochuk and Elsa Hacking, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To Dr. Lynne Marriott, the superb nursing team, and the food services staff at Mineral Springs – thank you for your compassion and gentle care during Nana’s last months. Her first job in Banff was as a nurse’s aide – she revered caregivers – she was grateful for all of you and she loved you and we thank you on her behalf. At Karin’s request, there will be no funeral.
Charitable contributions, if desired, can be made to the organization of the donor’s choice. Remember her when you next gather with friends, preferably over a cup of strong, black coffee. She would wish you Happy Trails.
Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca
SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE and
CREMATORIUM (at Lake Fraser Gate)
Telephone: 403-297-0711
Honoured Provider of
Dignity Memorial