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
Mike Cressman
Kevin Ho
Dear Karen. You have been a tremendous friend and mentor to me. I am absolutely gutted to hear about your passing. I was just about to write and ask about how your Jamaican trip was! I will always be in debt to you for the help and support you gave me during the time of my mother's passing. You were a kind, funny and a tremendous person and a leader. It was an honour and pleasure to have known you and your family. Rest in peace, Karen. You will always be in my thought.
Ritu Chandra
Dear Karen, Thank you for your service, your advice and your caring to do right. You have been a wonderful colleague and a friend. I am shocked about the news. It is too soon.... To your family, you have my best wishes during this difficult and emotional time.
Yves Lavoie
My sincere condolences to you Michael, Angela and extended family members. Karen was a good friend, her friendship will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
Col (ret) Annie Perry
I will always hold dear memories of Karen. She was always the first person I would see, coming into the office every morning. Always smiling, busy bee, and an outstanding CAF leader, genuine person. I am fortunate that have crossed her path. RIP.
Matthew Pieroway
Karen was the person responsible for putting me on my current career path, I am forever indebted to her for that. She has been a good friend and mentor over the years. Working with her was always an adventure, and one I will miss. Condolences to Mike and Angela, Karen will be missed.
Sara Collins
I am so incredibly heartbroken to hear about Maj Woodhall's sudden passing. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating her well-deserved retirement. I am sending my deepest sympathies to her daughter, Angela, and her husband, Michael, whom she always spoke of proudly. I will always be so grateful to Maj Woodhall for the opportunity she afforded me to grow my career within ADM(FIN) CDAO 3. She was always a great listener, and always made her team feel valued and appreciated. Rest in peace, Ma'am.
Diana Kortelainen
Throughout my CAF career in Ottawa, Karen and I crossed paths several times. At 33 CBG HQ, I can still recall Karen's smile and laughter during our G8 handover. Then again at VCDS and ADM(Fin). Karen loved to take on challenges which most would run away from and would ensure that no stone was left unturned in completing her job. A dedicated CAF / DND PS member who has left us way too early. Rest in Peace Karen
Jean Destin
It was with deep shock and sadness that I learned of this tragic news. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family. Karen was a very friendly and competent colleague.
Michel Goudreault
My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. I will remember Karen as an incredibly friendly and joyful person.
Karen, a dear friend. You left us way too soon with all of your retirement years and adventures ahead of you. Your exuberance, friendliness and that laugh that was unique to Karen and could be heard from some distance. Be in peace. You are missed.