Karen MacDonald
September 23, 1970 - February 23, 2026
On February 23, 2026, we said goodbye to our favourite person, Karen Elizabeth MacDonald, at the age of 55.
Karen was the beloved sister of Michelle (Scott) Smibert and proud Aunt of Tavish (Kelcie), Alex and Collin. She will be remembered by her Aunt Helen Burnside of Kincardine and many cousins. She is predeceased by her parents Al and Eleanor MacDonald.
Karen built a meaningful career as a medical laboratory technologist and worked for Canadian Blood Services, DynaCare, Owen Sound Hospital and the London Health Science Centre.
We will miss her quick wit, sense of humour and her generosity.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.
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Well, for all of us commenting here, Karen will be back to haunt us, as she HATED having her picture taken, HATED being the centre of attention. But here you are, and what a beautiful picture! Karen, you were so loved by so many people, and such a loving and proud aunt! I have missed hanging out with you over the past couple of years, though enjoyed our conversations. You were always so selfless, always asking about other people and their lives instead of talking about yourself and your struggles. You were one of the funniest people I have had the pleasure of knowing, such a dry sense of humour and quick wit, smart, kind. I hate that this happened to you and your loved ones. I'll always remember your bantering with Mike, Tom insults, how you looked after Jana, our visits, beverages, laughs. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace beautiful Karen, until we meet again. Love Sandra (former co-worker in Owen Sound, but more importantly, a friend)
I had the pleasure of working with Karen at the Owen Sound Hospital. She was loved there for her beautiful smile and great sense of humour. Went golfing with her and Jana and had a lot of laughs. She will be missed.

I knew Karen from her days working at the Owen Sound hospital. She made everyone’s day brighter, even if it was sometimes by cracking a joke at my expense! I never minded; I knew deep down she was such a playful, kindhearted soul. 😊 Whether it was partying in Toronto after the We Will Rock You musical, our weekly trivia nights at East Side Mario’s, or her being my good luck charm while I won $1,000 at the Casino Rama slots, she always knew how to have a good time and make everyone around her laugh and smile. Thank you Karen for allowing me to be your ‘summer’— and ‘winter’ friend! 😅 My loving condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed. 💐🕊️🧡

Miss you friend !
I met Karen at Dynacare, then we worked together at LHSC, I looked forward to working with her, she made the shifts fly bye, she was so easy to talk to, always smiling and finding the good in everything, she was beautiful and intimidatingly intelligent. I will miss her smile.
My deepest condolences to Michelle, Scott and family. May the cherished memories of Karen bring you comfort during this difficult time of sorrow. Nancie Irving
Karen and Michelle were very special to Wib and me. I have many great memories of Karen, which I will keep close to my heart. I feel blessed to have had her as a niece. Karen loved Lake Huron. When she would come for a visit to Kincardine or Port Elgin, the lake was her favourite place to be. Karen, you will always be loved. I will miss you dearly. Blessings, Aunt Helen(MacDonald) Burnside
I have worked with Karen at DynaCare, Canadian Blood Services and LHSC over the last thirty years. She was exceptional in the lab profession, a hugely intelligent person who had a clever wit and a wonderfully contagious laugh. I will miss our conversations dear friend. Condolences to all of her family who she loved so dearly, I know you will miss her tremendously.
My condolences to Karen’s family. Karen and I met when she came to work the Owen Sound hospital and we remained close friends even after she headed back down to London. She was a good friend and I will miss her greatly . Shawn
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Michelle and Scott, Please accept my sincere condolences for the profound loss of your dear sister and aunt, Karen. I remember Karen best as a young child being babysat by my friend Dawn. Her striking blue eyes and ""fluffy" red hair immediately caught your attention. Losing a sibling, especially younger and taken by a cruel illness is heartbreaking. Growing up, the MacDonald girls were known for their quick wit, strong character and spirited nature. They were fearless in sport and would jump into any adventure without hesitation. Complaining was never their way- they faced things head-on with determination and humour. Karen carried that same spirit throughout her life, and I hope the many memories of her strength, laughter, and bright presence will be a comfort to you in the days ahead. Sally (Pepper) Taylor
~ Sally Taylor