It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin and friend to many, Karen Audrey McLean on December 12, 2025 at the age of 59 years.
Karen leaves to mourn her sons, Francis, Robert (Katelin), Brett (April), Rainier, Alex (Tiffany), Jordan, sons-in-law, Rick and Sonny, Sister Sheila, brother Richard, her grandchildren, Leighanna, Liam, Lucas, Julius, Connor, Aiden, Leland, Carter, Tessa, Trinity, and one greatgrandchild, Ahlani, her nieces, Stevie Lee, Felicity, nephews, Steven (Dez), Dallas, the Goulds, Staggs, Mcleans, Thompsons, Plantzs, and the community.
Karen was predeceased by her parents, Steve McLean and Josepine Bone, grandparents, Wilfred and Irene Letandre, Priscilla and Roy Thompson, her daughters, LeeAnne (2012) and Samantha (2025), Aunt, Eileen Stagg, Uncle, Donald Gould, brother, Archie Letandre,
Karen encapsulated the matriarchs that came before her. She was a powerhouse of a mother. She loved fiercely; she provided and cared not only for her children and her grandchildren; she also opened her home and her heart to others. Her happiness and fulfillment in life was aquired by providing for others and always extending her hand to help those in need.
Karen went above and beyond for her children and grandchildren. There was no task too great for Karen. She celebrated every birthday and special occasion with an elaborate feast. The grandchildren would be treated to a weekend trip to the city with many fun activities planned.
Karen wore many hats. The one we will always remember is “the angry bird” hat. First, and foremost, Karen was a caregiver. She took care of each member of her family, extended family and the community. This she did with love and compassion.
Secondly, Karen was an amazing cook. Karen worked as a cook for construction camps. She also catered for many community events and assisted families in times of need. She was known for her famous Bannock pops and sold them at Pinay Store to the travellers headed north. She was mentioned on Virgin Radio for her amazing Bannock pops and was gifted a sweater with the Bannock Pop Queen in huge letters.
Thirdly, she was a carpenter. Karen was in a Program that helped build for Matix. She loved doing this work and excelled at this as well. Even though she was small in stature she could fix anything around her home and was very efficient in her work.
Karen loved her NCI Friends on Friday, her bingo evenings with her sons, her karaoke evenings with her friends, and her outings with her sister Sheila playing VLTs. She also enjoyed games of Yahtzee and Dice and chatting up a storm.
Despite the hardships Karen endured, she had a smile for everyone and had that sense of humor that reminded us of Granny Irene. After the loss of her daughter Samantha, Karen became “KooKoo Mom” to her daughter's three children. She was always referred to as “Momma Bear” by her boys.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Journey well and thank you for leaving us with this teaching.
Wake Service:
Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Conference Center, Fairford, Manitoba
Funeral Service:
Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Helen’s Anglican Church, Fairford, Manitoba
Interment: St. Helen’s Anglican Church Cemetery
Officiant: Rev. Cathie Clow
Pallbearers:
sons, Francis McLean, Brett McLean, Alex McLean, Jordan McLean, Steven McLean
grandsons, Connor McLean and Carter McLean
nephew, Xavier Gould
Honorary Pallbearers:
Gould Family, Stagg Family, Thompson Family, Tammy and Andrew Halchuck and family, Cynthia Beardy, Verna Woodhouse, McLean
Family, Shelley, Claudia an Marge Anderson, Eleanor McKay, Harriet Sumner Pruden, Elsie Thompson, Cecile Sanderson, Colleen Woodhouse, Doreen Sumner and everyone she loved
Crossbearer: Tiffany Anderson
The family would like to take this time to express their gratitude, love and appreciation to everyone that has supported us during this difficult time.
You know who you are…
Gypsumville RCMP, Paramedics, Reverend Cathy Clowe, Anderson Family Funeral Home, Pinaymootang Chief and Council, Flett Family, the surrounding communities, Little Sask., Dauphin River, Lake St. Martin and Pinaymootang. Auntie Sheila for all the hard work in holding the silent auction.
We will never forget the acts of kindness.
A special thank you to Xavier Gould, Derrick Gould, and Dollard Gould.
