Karen Ann O’Laney (1957 – 2025)
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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Ann O’Laney, on August 24th, 2025, at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, surrounded by her loving family. Karen was 68 years old. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Life and Legacy
Born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Karen was the daughter of Charles and Mildred (Byrne) MacKinnon. She dedicated the majority of her life to caring for others as a Personal Care Worker (PCW), demonstrating unwavering compassion and a genuine concern for the well-being of those she served.Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life, encompassing a deep love for animals.
Karen found joy in the simple things and possessed a remarkable talent for creating beauty with her hands. She was an avid quilter, knitter, painter, and crocheter, always immersed in a new project. Her creativity and dedication resulted in cherished handmade gifts for family and friends. She especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren, showering them with love and creating lasting memories.
Beyond her home and family, Karen embraced life’s adventures. She enjoyed traveling, frequently enough alongside her husband Dave on motorcycle rides, exploring for unique finds while rock hunting, and the friendly competition of Bingo nights with her sisters. She had a particular fondness for the crows in her backyard, whom she regularly fed, and a long history of providing a loving home to countless cats and kittens.
Family
Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, David O’Laney; daughters, Sam O’Laney, Sarah (Dylan) Knowles, and Elisha O’Laney; grandchildren, Amber, Kyra, coady, Corvin, Summer, Kaylee, Mady, and Luna; brothers, Chuckie (anna) MacKinnon, Clarey (Juanette) MacKinnon, Jamie (Janet) mackinnon, and david (Dene) MacKinnon; and sisters, Charlene MacKinnon, Donna (Dennis) MacKinnon, and Gwen MacKinnon.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Wednesday, august 27th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Eagles Funeral Home, westville, Nova Scotia. All are welcome to attend and share in remembering Karen’s life.
A Gift to Medical Research
In keeping with Karen’s generous spirit and desire to help others, she has bequeathed her body to Dalhousie Medical School for cancer research. Dalhousie Medical School’s Anatomy Giving Program relies on these donations to advance medical knowledge and improve treatments for cancer and other diseases. This selfless act reflects her lifelong commitment to caring for others,even in her passing.
Key Takeaways
- Karen O’Laney was a dedicated PCW known for her compassion and care.
- She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.
- Karen enjoyed creative pursuits like quilting, knitting, and painting.
- She was an avid traveler and enjoyed motorcycle rides with her husband.
- Karen generously donated her body to cancer research at Dalhousie Medical School.
Karen’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her kindness, creativity, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed. Her legacy of compassion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.