Karen Learning

It is with profound sadness and much love we announce the passing of Karen Learning (nee Berger), who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the age of 57, surrounded by her loving family. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 37 years, Duane; her children, Kevin and Matthew; her two rescue dogs, Peanut and Nathan; her parents, James and Shelia; her brother, Brad (Louise); and numerous extended family members. 

Born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Karen spent much of her childhood moving throughout Alberta with her family and often joked that she lived in every Fort in Alberta. In the early 1980s, Karen settled in Kelowna, BC where she graduated from Okanagan Mission Secondary School in 1986. During her final year of high school, while working at McDonald's, Karen met the man who would ultimately become her husband. What began as a cute handwritten note from her to Duane, blossomed into a love that spanned nearly 40 years. Karen's greatest joy was her family. She and her husband welcomed their first child, Kevin James Learning in 1990, followed by their second, Matthew Robert Francis Learning, in January 1993. She was a devoted and loving mother who took immense pride in watching her kids grow and always provided unconditional love and support in all their endeavours. Throughout her life Karen demonstrated remarkable intelligence, curiosity, and determination as well as a wonderful and contagious sense of humor. Early on she studied office automation which developed a life-long interest in computers and technology. She later pursued studies as a Pharmacy Technician where she accumulated many academic achievements including the Lieutenant Governor's Award for outstanding academic performance upon her graduation in 2004. Karen, Duane and their children spent many years in the Kootenays of BC before relocating to Airdrie, AB, in 2012. She loved to travel when her health permitted and would accompany Duane on work-related trips across Canada, visit family in Vancouver, enjoy adventures in Las Vegas, and escape to the mountains of Banff. She cherished the opportunity to make memories with those she loved. For much of her adult life, Karen lived with Lupus, a chronic autoimmune illness that brought extraordinary medical challenges. She endured numerous serious health complications, hospitalizations, and setbacks while always continuing to demonstrate remarkable courage, resilience, and an enduring appreciation for life. Even during her most difficult moments, Karen always found reasons to smile, laugh, and share her generous kindness with those around her. Above all, Karen was someone who loved deeply. She was thoughtful, engaging, intelligent, funny, and determined. She was always finding ways to give back to those in need in the community and had a way of leaving a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to know her even briefly. Just two weeks before her passing, Karen and her husband celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary, a testament to a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. Their journey was not without challenges, but they faced them side-by-side, creating a beautiful life and a lifetime of cherished memories. She will be remembered not for the illness she endured, but for the strength with which she faced it, the joy she found in the everyday, and the extraordinary love she shared. Karen was loved immeasurably and will be missed beyond words. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals who cared for Karen throughout her many years of illness, as well as the friends, family, and colleagues whose kindness and support has meant so much during this difficult time. At her husband's and kids' decision, no Celebration of Life will be held.