It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my best friend, soulmate and my beloved wife, KAREN MADENE GANSEL (Pratt), age 80 of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Karen passed away peacefully after a short illness at the Greater Niagara General Hospital on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.
Survived by her husband of 30 years, Kenneth A. W. Gansel, her Sisters Joan Mauthe (Richard), Pat Antoniuk (Murray) and Linda Fletcher (David). Beloved Mother of Sherry Meehan (Charles), David Robinson (Connie) and James Robinson (Donna). Grandchildren Pam Laginskie (Doug), Jason Robinson (Alanna), Stuart Robinson and Arabella Robinson. Plus, three Great Grandchildren: Cece, Chase, and Maya.
Her Sister Jackee Pratt (Martin Anstee) and Brother Len Pratt (Cathy) pre-deceased her.
Born in Gladstone, Manitoba, raised in Plumas, MB the daughter of Frank and Muriel Pratt. Graduated from Plumas Collegiate Institute. After high school she graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, and University of Toronto with a Master of Health Science, and a certificate in Dispute Resolution.
Karen had an extensive career in public service, starting with the Region of Peel in Social Housing, then as the Executive Director of Bellwoods Centres for Community Living in Toronto, then onto the Ministry of Health serving in Senior Executive roles as the Director of the Assistive Devices Program, Director of the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital and finally as the Executive Director of Negotiations Management Branch. Karen was a skilled negotiator and represented the Ministry in contract negotiations with the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) for the last two years before retirement.
In retirement Karen was involved in politics as the Riding President for the Ontario Provincial Liberal Party for eight years. She was Co-Chair of the Canadian Association of Authors and served as a board member to her passing. She was a prolific writer publishing three books: Differences Between Us, Celeste Unraveled and The Inheritance. [www.newfictionwriter.com]
She will be remembered for her adventurous spirit from canoeing in Algonquin Park or traveling throughout four continents with her husband.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive family and friends at a Celebration of Life at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (323 Simcoe Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) on April 24, 2025 at 11am.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen’s name to the Canadian Authors Association at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/24602
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.www.morganfuneral.com