Salmon Beach, NB - After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Karen Lea Knowles passed away peacefully at her home on October 4th with her devoted husband Donald “Don” MacGregor by her side.

Those who had the privilege to know Karen will remember her undeniable zest for life. She loved the outdoors, sports and music. Karen and Don’s little piece of paradise was their cottage on Salmon Beach, where they spent every summer boating, walking, waterskiing and enjoying sunsets and bonfires over a glass of wine. Relatives traveled from near and far every summer to join Karen and Don for extended family gatherings on the beach filled with food and song, laughter and love.

Karen will also be remembered for her love of dancing. She and Don often attended live concerts, where on more than one occasion, Karen decided to join the band onstage and dance up a storm. Even after Alzheimer’s had taken so much from her and she could no longer recognize family and friends, she would still dance with joy when Don played her favourite music, clapping and smiling like she had her whole life.

It is impossible to remember Karen without acknowledging Don’s unwavering and steadfast devotion to his wife. He lovingly and selflessly tended to all her needs when she could no longer do so for herself. Karen’s family and friends are and will be forever grateful for the love and devotion he showed each day. People use the term loosely, but for Don, Karen was his true soul mate.

Karen is survived by her loving husband Don, her siblings Shirley MacDonald (Arnold), Donna Weatherly (Bob) and Jerry Knowles (Shirley), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Darryl Knowles (Linda), Glynn Knowles (Dorothy Atyeo-Knowles), Garry Knowles (Joyce Blackette), Janice Unsworth (Al), and Reese Knowles, as well as her parents Lyman and Ella Knowles.

Don would like to thank all those who reached out over the years, months and weeks. He extends heartfelt thanks to Karen’s caregivers Helen Knowles, Claire DuBroy, Joyce Blackette and Lina Comeau. Their commitment to Karen’s care and well-being will never be forgotten.

A service in Karen’s honour will be held at First United Church on Saturday October 22, 2022 at 2:00pm. A celebration of life will follow in the church hall. Location of church is 309 St. Patrick Street, Bathurst, NB. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society. As per the family’s wishes, masks will be required.