Karen Leigh
Arnfast – 72, Valley,
Colchester County, passed away peacefully, with loving family at her
side, on Monday morning, May 23, 2016, at Colchester East Hants Health
Centre, Truro. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, she was the only
daughter of the late Arthur Leonard and Mary Catherine (Kingan) Earle
and was raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Karen and her husband David of 55 years were married in
Sydney and lived in PEI, relocating later with their young family to
Nova Scotia. Her professional career included work for a
Federal Government program providing computerized record-keeping for
farms businesses in central Nova Scotia. Karen made many
close connections with the farmers and their families that she visited
regularly. Later she established her own successful business
providing better service to a number of farm clients. Upon
retirement, Karen became active volunteering as a member of Valley
United Church where she had served in various capacities over the
years and also as a member of Truro Music Festival Board.
Among her many hobbies and interests, she enjoyed singing
with Cantabile Singers of Truro, bowling with Women’s
Institute League in New Glasgow, being a proud supporter of the many
activities of her children and grandchildren, gardening and spending
time at Harbour Light Campground. Her enjoyment of traveling and
camping began as a child with her parents and continued with her own
young family and resumed later in retirement. Over the years, Karen
and David enjoyed collecting antique furniture and other collectible
items and after retirement, they pursued this passion by attending
antique sales and auctions as buyers, restoring and re-selling items
in various antique shows and fair events across the Maritimes. Over
the years, Karen enjoyed the company of many K-9 companions, most
recently a golden-doodle named Joey.
Above all, Karen was the matriarch of her family, and took
immense pleasure in hosting and preparing for special events that
brought her family and friends together. Karen is survived by her
loving husband, David; children, Esben (Monique) Arnfast, Valley;
Patricia "Pat" (Richard) Ansell, Eastern Passage; Paul
(Faye) Arnfast, Truro; grandchildren, Kimberley (Mike), Benjamin,
Oliver; great grandchild, Myles.
Special thanks are extended to Dr. K. Shen and the wonderful
staff of Palliative Care Unit and Emergency Room Department at
Colchester East Hants Health Centre, VON, The Hepatology Clinic at
Victoria General Hospital along with other caring friends and
professionals.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Karen’s
family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016.
Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Friday, May 27, 2016, at First
United Church, 711 Prince Street, Truro. Reception will follow in
Memorial Hall. Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in
Karen’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Karen’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A
Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com