Karen (aka Kaarina) Evelyn Poole

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Karen Evelyn (aka -Kaarina) Poole in Toronto on Wednesday October 4th , 2023. Kaarina was born May 2nd, 1959, one of six siblings. Kaarina graduated from the University of Toronto with an honors degree in Fine Arts. She was deeply passionate about the arts and during travels in Europe, had been able to visit many famous galleries. One of her most cherished memories was being a member of a UofT art collective group and having the opportunity to travel to Italy and spend time on art studies in the Tuscany region. Kaarina loved the ballet, theatre, opera, books and travel. She also loved her home team Toronto Blue Jays! Together, with her sister Dawn, she watched the Jays play in all MLB ball parks. She also enjoyed going to spring training in Dunedin Florida where she enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of like minded Blue Jays fans. Kaarina became publisher and worked alongside her father as a volunteer of “The Convoy”, a trade magazine for Canadian Merchant Mariners. She helped organize and told the stories of these war time veterans. Even though they had the largest causality rate of any of the forces, they were not considered as part of the Canadian Military. Kaarina believed in righting injustice and helped these veterans win their fight and finally be recognized as an arm of the Canadian Forces and receive the benefits they so richly deserved. Kaarina went on to work as an office manager for an IT consulting company. She absolutely loved the consultants that she worked with over the years. Family was important to Kaarina. She had an extremely close relationship with her sister Dawn who accompanied her on her travels and together, they shared in a mutual nurturing relationship with nephews Oscar and Henry. Kaarina was very close to her nieces and nephews and loved family holiday dinners, especially Christmas. Kaarina leaves behind her beloved mother, Greta Poole ( Douglas Poole Sr – deceased), her sisters Dawn Kirschke (Gerald Kirschke-deceased) and Linda Poole. Brothers, Derek Poole ( Jennette) Glenn Poole, Doug Poole ( Jackie), and nieces and nephews, Henry , Oscar (Mackenzie), Emily, Nathan, Dan (Laura), Sarah and great niece Isla. She also leaves behind many many friends , some as far back as public school. These friendships provided Kaarina with great laughter, support and joy over the years. Kaarina was a very spiritual and calming presence to all who knew her as well as extremely generous. She supported a foster child in South America for many years as well as donating regularly to several food banks, homeless shelters, arts organizations and the Red Cross. Cancer may have claimed her life but she claimed her soul and kept it true. There will be a celebration of life for Kaarina in the spring of 2024 and invites will be forwarded at that time. If you would like to donate on Kaarinas behalf, her charities are listed above. She believed one hundred percent that we all need to help each other especially in tough times. We would like to also thank the staff at Bridgepoint Hospital for the care they gave to our Kaarina.

Karen (aka Kaarina) Evelyn Poole

October 4, 2023