Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services

In Memory

Karen Dumancic

September 28th, 1945 - October 19th, 2023
Born in Biddulth Township, ON
Passed in Calgary, AB
Karen Dumancic

Karen Dumancic passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 78. Karen is lovingly remembered by her son, Ivo (Nicole and Xander); daughters Marija (Josephine), Katarina (Drew and Ellis); her siblings, many nieces and nephews, and friends. Karen was predeceased by her husband Mirko, her parents, older sister and brother-in-law. 

Karen loved spending time with her grandchildren, figuring out how to fix broken stuff, putting puzzles together with her partner in crime Bonnie, attending Mass, and helping out in the community with her cherished church friends. 

Heartfelt thanks to Karen’s wonderfully supportive friends, and the amazing medical staff she met on her journey.  

Prayers will be held at on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Drumheller at 7:00 PM, those wishing to pay their respects may do so prior. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Lukas Drapal at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 1:00 PM, interment to follow at the Drumheller Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Drumheller Area Health Foundation - for Cancer Care at 351 9 Street NW, Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y1

Share a message or memory
Kerri & Mike O'Neill
1 year ago
Karen was the poster girl for "Tom Boy". She was arguably the best athlete of the family, bringing home the trophy at field day, and playing hockey and baseball on even terms with the older siblings. She was also very smart, excelling in "book learning", but also able to figure out mechanical problems and capable of fixing things. She was lucky enough to find the true love of her life in Mirko. Together, they raised three of the best human beings you'll ever meet. She looked on the world with the hope that prayer and good deeds would bring us back from the edge. If everyone was like Karen, I have no doubt at all that it would work. We miss you Karen, rest in the peace you deserve.
Love, Kerri & Me
Russ O’Neill
1 year ago
My sincerest condolences. May Karen’s memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Naomi Ratelband (O'Neill)
1 year ago
Aunt Karen always "kept it real" especially when we'd be climbing the dunes and running around in their hotel in Nacmine. She had that same Nana tone that you knew not to cross her, but she loved you to bits! May songs of the angels bring you home. Rest in peace.
Kelly, Hugh Hailey & Caleb O'Neill
1 year ago
With sympathy. Glad she managed to make the latest reunion before passing. It was a pleasure to see her there.
Ernie and Wenda O'Neill
1 year ago
When we gathered a month ago, we marveled at Karen's courage to make the trip and prayed for a miracle. But it wasn't to be. Glad to have had that time together. Till we meet again, love and prayers for your family.
Colleen David Jarek & Darian Halwas
1 year ago
I’m so glad we got to spend time with you these last few years. I loved your quirky, quiet sense of humour. You will be sorely missed. My heart is very sad for those you left behind.
Alicia O'Neill
1 year ago
You will be missed Aunt Karen. So glad I got to see you one last time. ❤❤❤
Donna O’Leary
1 year ago
I met Karen at bowling. We had many great chats. She was a lovely person. My Deepest Sympathy to all her Family & Friends.🌹
Patrick Hoffer
1 year ago
Aunt Karen always made me feel like she "got" me. I think it was that way for most people who had the great fortune to meet her. That was her gift, and I will miss her always.
James Hoffer Jr.
1 year ago
Unforgettable childhood memory of Aunt Karen coming to visit our family in Aylmer, ON, during a snow storm...so it was a snow day, and Karen babysat us while our parents went to work, and will never forget she was so much fun to be with. She let us jump on the bed. She's likely getting a stern look from my mom and dad in heaven for letting us get away with that one. Nothing but good memories after that. She was there for my Dad when mom passed when he really needed a kindred spirit. Loved her and will miss her. She always kept up with birthdays, and always checked in to see how we were doing. What a wonderful lady.
Karen-Lee Andrew
1 year ago
Karen was always so very easy to visit with. She was a gentle soul, humble and faith filled. She was always welcoming and interested in what was going on around her. Rest easy friend. You will be missed by many. ❤️
Martha Hourie-peebles
1 year ago
Karen you'll be missed. Always has a smile and a laugh. My thoughts are with Ivo, Marija, and Katarina, and family. God bless
Sr. Ellen
1 year ago
Karen was the first author in the family. As a young teenager she would re-write Shakespeare, and have the middle gang act it out (the last 2 were too young, and the oldest 3 were beyond that stage ... pun intended).
On 2 occasions, she wrote my public speaking essays - one about football from the point of view of the ball, and the other was based on an ad for carpet from the London Free Press picturing a tiny lady standing at the bottom of a magnificently carpeted staircase. I think that one was about how life can seem overwhelming, and I'll never see football the same again. Thanks Karen.💞🙏🙏🙏
Janelle Jason and Mykkel
1 year ago
I am so sorry you are gone. You will be missed. So glad we all got to see you at the reunion one last time. Prayers for family and friends
Joe and Henrietta O'Neill
1 year ago
If Canada had a women's hockey team when Karen was growing up, she would have been one of the star players.
She played on the Lucan Pee Wee hockey team, when girls playing hockey was a rare thing.
They appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, in New York, on Saint Patrick's Day, and won the Goderich Ontario hockey tournament the year Karen played.
Karen spent four years attending Medway High School, and never missed a day.
She had the same dedication in her work place.
We are keeping her and family in our Masses and prayers.
Chris Hoffer
1 year ago
When I said goodbye to her at the reunion I said “I’ll see you.” She paused for a moment, looked off in the distance then looked back at me and smiled saying, “I hope so.”
Kristen O'Neill and Daryl Hall
1 year ago
Sending love and hugs… it was so good to see her at the reunion!
Lisa and Matt Oneill
1 year ago
You will be missed . Sending prayers and hugs ❤