Please note that the funeral service has been changed to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026. Visitation remains the same from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Karen Lee Rushton – 73, Truro Heights, passed away suddenly, as a result of a heart attack, on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Truro, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Audrey (MacKenzie) Harris.

Karen worked as a cook for many years at Best Western Glengarry in Truro. After retirement from there, she realized that retirement wasn't for her, so she went back to work at Best Western Glengarry until it sold, and was currently working at Irving Big Stop as a prep cook until the time of her death.

She absolutely loved playing Bingo and spending time at the camper in River John. She enjoyed baking and cooking, and although everything she made was delicious, she will be remembered fondly for her melt in your mouth rolls and savoury turkey gravy. Above all, she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished any time that she got to spend with them.

Karen is survived by her best friend and husband of 54 years, Gary; children, Ann (Chris) Dykeman, Truro; Darrell Rushton (Vicki Whittington), Cambridge, Ontario; Judy Rushton (James Cook), Onslow Mountain; grandchildren, Michael Harris (Illie Toivonen), Austin Rushton (Charity Boutilier), Mya (Caleb) Dicks, Michael Whittington; "like granddaughter", Chelsea McNutt (Muin Herney), Pictou Landing; 13 great grandchildren; siblings, Fran Hicks, Truro; Rhoda (Peter) Walsh, Debert; Dianna (Trevor) MacDonald, Glenholme; Joey Harris (Leslie Bezanson), Truro; many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Judith Harris in infancy; brother-in-law, Randy Hicks.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Karen’s family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, and funeral service will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026. (Livestream will begin at 2:55 pm and is accessible by clicking the link at the top of this page.) Reception will follow. Interment at a later date in Mahon Cemetery, 8480 Highway 2, Great Village. If so desired, donations in Karen’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia are welcomed.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com