KEEN, Karen Valmai - On March 9, 2025, suddenly, in Dunedin Hospital ICU; aged 64 years. Loved and loving soul mate of Ken Cathro, adored mum and mother-in-law of Amy and Jonny, Lisa, Jenna and Lee, Michael and Lucy, and Paul, special Grandma to Baxter, and Ava; Grace; Gabriel; Finnian, and Fred, loved daughter of the late Ray and Valmai Keen, loved sister of Greg and the late Tricia, and loved aunt of Darren. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Dunedin Hospital ICU, especially Lester, for the amazing care of Karen.
A celebration of Karen's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, at 10am, on Saturday, March 15, followed by private cremation. Messages to The Keen Family C/- PO Box 5013, Dunedin 9054, or below, where you'll also find a link to Live Stream the service.
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Karen I am deeply sad that you are gone, and I struggle to believe it, Mostly I feel for the family you love, Ken, Amy, Jonny, Lisa and grandchildren Baxter, Ava and Gracie. (Millie and Marley your 4-legged family) and of course your brother Greg. You are my happy, funny, caring friend that I love to pieces. You are a carer out of the box and you will be forever with me. Not many carers would arrive in my home and announce they have arrived and kick of their shoes or jandals. The 8 years you were my carer were amazing, you looked after my legs and feet, above and beyond and were always Emils helper at the hospital. I will miss you dearly but will laugh and smile at some of the funny things we did together. Karen thank you for being you and for all you help. Cheers Gingerpuss (your cellphone name for me).
My beautiful friend your service was just perfect you would have loved it. Fly free like the angel you are I will miss you more than you will ever know. Heidi xxxxxx
I am so sorry for the loss of the beautiful Karen. She was such a bright light. It was so heartbreaking to hear the news..
I knew Karen through high school, her and Robyn together were always on for a laugh. I have caught up with Karen over the years due to our jobs, she was a very caring person towards her clients/patients and they enjoyed her bright personality and stories. Karan did speak about her kids and grandchildren with pride but in Karen style with honesty. So sad for her partner, family and friends but when i say her name you have to smile, i can hear her voice..... loud naturally.
Sincere condolences to Karen’s family and friends, Karen was a lovely and respectful carer to Margie while in Belhaven Rest Home ♥️ Fitzgerald Family
Amy Lisa Was shocked and sad to hear of mum's passing she's was a beautiful lady We went through school together I was lucky to have her as my bridesmaid and was there when thing's were hard but she always protected you girls The best memories was when you lived with me and we would get into mums wee bomb of a car I would push She would clutch start Then she would burst into song Lambchops singalong ITS A SONG THAT NEVER ENDS!!! Amy, Lisa Mum will never be gone she in both off you and in your children As you said Lisa " Karen your one in a Million ". You were fashionable, stunning, funny, sad but most of all you were strong Rest easy 💔 😢 With all my love Nicky xx
Heart felt love and sympathy to Ken and all of Karen's loved ones.Amy and Lisa mums memory will live on forever through you girls and the grandkids. You were all her world
Karen... we didn't get our last ride all together with the 6 of us, we didn't get the chatter, the drinks, the laugh's... We're left with the amazing memories of our rides, especially the rally, the catch ups at the pub... Most of all, we're going to miss you and your infectious love of life, your love of Ken, your love of your children and grandies ... We're going to miss you... Fondest memories forever.... Love Bo and Jim 🪽💞🍻🥂
I was so very sorry to hear of Karen's passing we shared many laughs when we all worked at DIC together she was always so vibrant and full of such fun sending lots of love to your family Karen xx ❤️
Saddened to hear of Karen's passing. Condolences to all....