Obituary of Karen Elizabeth Clish

CLISH, Karen E. Pictou In loving memory of Karen Elizabeth Clish, who peacefully passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 82. She was born on May 1, 1941, to her parents, Katrina and Gunnar Nielsen. Karen is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Bert, who remained by her side throughout their journey. She leaves behind a legacy of family, including her children, Brian in Toronto, Brenda (Johnny) on Pictou Island, Clary (Heather) in Reading, Massachusetts, and Jason in Pictou. Karen was a doting grandmother to her five cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Jackson, Mason, Riley, and Cameron. She is also survived by brother, Roy (Leona) Nielsen, Fort Ellis; sister, Greta Baird, Lower Truro; sisters-in-law, Anne (Ross) Wall, Faye (Vernon) White, both of Hilden, and Jean Clish, Valley; brother-in-law, George (Janice) Clish, North River; and many nieces &nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brother, Hans; father and mother in-law, George & Flora Clish; brothers-in-law, Ernie Clish and Ted Baird; niece, Nancy Nielsen. Karen's early years were spent on the family farm in Old Barns, where growing up instilled a deep appreciation of family, nature, and animals. She graduated from Central Onslow High School and pursued her passion for nursing at the Nova Scotia Hospital, Dartmouth. Her dedication and compassion shone during her long career at the Children's Training Center in Pictou. Music was one of her great loves and she was also an avid reader. A community volunteer, she shared her time with the Pictou West Foodbank, Pictou West Community Health Board, and the Northumberland Veteran’s Unit, Pictou. Karen was a multi-talented individual with skills in baking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, cross-stitching, calligraphy, and rug hooking, just to name a few. Her determination and ability to master any task she set her mind to were truly remarkable. Her kindness and compassion knew no boundaries, she never forgot a birthday or special occasion. She shared many wonderful travels with Bert, including visiting family in Denmark, a trip to Sweden, their annual visits to New Hampshire, and many summers in PEI. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who provided support to Karen during the final years of her life. Special thanks to the V.O.N., Janice Nichol, the Aberdeen Hospital, and the exceptional caregivers at the Veteran's Wing in Pictou for their incredible care and compassion. Karen will be deeply missed but remembered with love and admiration by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace. There will be no visitation. Funeral Service will be held 3:00 PM Friday from McLaren Funeral Home Chapel, Pictou, with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. Burial will follow in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only please. Donations in her memory may be made to the Pictou West Foodbank or the S.P.C.A. www.mclarenfuneral.ca