Passed away suddenly in Ottawa on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the age of 58. Karen was the loved and loving wife of Michael, and devoted mother of Angela. Born in raised in Chilliwack, BC, Karen was a lover of summer sun, a dedicated gardener whose tomatoes and cucumbers will be greatly missed. Karen was an outstanding officer in the Canadian Armed Forces who served honourably in Chilliwack, Edmonton, Kingston, and Ottawa. The happiness in her heart will be missed by all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. followed by an interment with military honours in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery. For those who wish to make a donation in Karen’s memory please consider doing so to The United Way East Ontario.
Digital Guestbook
CWO SM Chiasson
Reuben Yadav
Karen, you were such a great friend to me and I valued our impromptu conversations. I love how we supported each other and the rest of the AOC team during tenuous time together at Staff College. And then to remain friends in our numerous encounters throughout. I only have happy memories of you. You were always so positive that it was infectious. You will be missed my friend.
LCol Adnan Benmosbah
I am heartbroken to hear of your passing. We had a great time working together in ADM(Fin), thanks for always taking care of your team and thanks for your great professionalism and dedication to the CAF. Karen, you left us way too soon and you will be missed.
My deepest condolences to the family at this very difficult time.
Rest in Peace Karen.
Susan Danard
Karen was a wonderful sister-in-law. She was caring, funny and smart. Quick to laugh. Never said a mean word about anyone. We were the same age, and our birthdays were just a few days apart. She never forgot mine. She would send a funny card and thoughtful present, and I would always tease her about going first as we aged together.
I cannot believe she’s gone. Just yesterday, I thought of telling her a silly story about our cat, as she loved both dogs and cats, and enjoyed their antics. Having just retired myself, I was hopeful we would finally be able to spend more time together, as our jobs and the distance between B.C. and Ontario had made visits far too few. Karen will leave a lasting legacy – a reminder to be kind and cherish each other.
Sandy Shirley
Karen was always supportive to all those who reached out and in particular to me when I was working with the office of the CDS. Her smile and laughter will be missed. Rest in peace.
Darlene Joyce
My deepest condolences to Mike, Angela, extended family and friends.
I am so grateful to have known Karen as a friend and colleague. She dedicated her life to the service of helping others. I will deeply miss her kindness, willingness to help others and her igniting laughter.
Karen, you will be dearly missed.
Deborah and James Krause
Karen had a quiet strength and a wonderful sense of humour. Her love of gardening came naturally from growing up with a backyard full of her Mom’s raised garden beds. I loved the names she gave pets from ducks called Sammy and Oatmeal to an orange cat called Cheddar.
Sophia Xinting Wang
Dear Major Woodhall, the honour is all mine to have worked for you. You’re kind, loving and have always been nice to me. You changed my life. I’m forever in debt for you bringing me into a new career path. Your spirit will be forever with me. Rest in peace up there in heaven, till we meet again.
Cynda Lavoie, LCol (Retired)
Oh Karen, I am heartbroken. There is no other way to describe it. You will be dearly missed!
On behalf of the Colonel Commandant, LCol Tanya Tebbutt, myself and the staff and students of CFLTC, we wish to send our deepest condolences to the family and friend of Major (ret'd) Karen Woodhall.