Karen Lee Rowswell
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing on April 17, 2025 of Karen Lee Rowswell at the age of 76 in her home in Edmonton, surrounded by her family. Karen fought a hard but short battle against lung cancer. Karen was a loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, avid feminist, and had a warmth and kindness that touched the lives of everyone she met.
Karen was born in Edmonton on August 20, 1948 to Oline (Rimstad) & Herbert Rowswell and spent many warm days at the family cabin in Mulhurst Bay. In the early 1970’s she met Bruce McLellan, and the two had been inseparable since. First residing in Old Strathcona in a house called “Castle Surprise” while attending university, and then staying in the neighbourhood to start a family.
Karen loved gardening and genealogy, reading and watching mysteries, and learning about everything from computers to architecture to anthropology to cartography. She dedicated her life to her family and community and her generosity and compassion were evident in her volunteer work over many years at King Edward School, the Strathcona Centre Community League, and other organizations. Karen loved children of all ages and will be remembered by many neighbourhood kids of the 80’s and 90’s that she treated as her own. She later took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and greeting the next generation of children while on her daily walks.
Karen's legacy of kindness and giving is now carried on by her children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Barbara (David) and is survived by husband Bruce, sons Colin (Asha), Andrew (Judy), grandchildren Devan, Sonia, Mara and Meline, sister-in-law Charlotte, and many friends and relatives.
I don’t think I have the words to describe how much of a special presence in my life Karen was. So many of my formative memories feature her and her family. I’m so thankful to have known her and so sad not have been able to tell her that in person. My love and sympathies to everyone she left behind.
I am shocked and grieved to hear of Karen’s death. She was a formative figure for me in my early feminist days, and I have always felt a wonderful warmth from her.
Bruce, Colin, Andrew and all your family–
I am heartbroken to learn about your loss. I feel such deep appreciation and gratitude for Karen. She was such a positive force in our community. She found good work that needed to be done and contributed with discernment and integrity. We are less without her.
My deepest condolences to all of you. Peace to her memory.
Love,
Della
So sorry to hear that Karen’s battle with cancer
has been lost. She was a really nice person
and will be missed.
Both Bob and I are so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a wonderful woman and a very kind and caring neighbour to our children and grandchildren. I will miss seeing her out in her garden and her warm, friendly smile. Our deepest sympathy to Bruce and family.
Bob and Cathy Cyr
It is with great fondness I remember Karen, and my former partner and I lived briefly with them at “Castle Surprise”, a house rich in character. Karen was a kind and caring person with many talents and was a great volunteer at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. My deep condolences to Bruce, children, family and friends.
We remember Karen with great fondness from our dinners together at Andrea Roger’s place. My deepest sympathy to Karen’s family; we feel so sorry for all of you. Karen with be sorely missed.
Sincerely, Collette Oseen and Ron Senda
Karen’s knowledge of books, how to run a library and definitely what children needed to read was inspirational. Her sense of what mattered in life made her a superb colleague. Karen will be fondly remembered.
My deepest sympathies to Bruce and family. I always looked forward to Karen’s Facebook posts, loved that she loved reading, gardening and nature in general. She was the go to girl for helping keep the Rowswell cousins informed. She had such a quiet demeanour and the most sincere smile, much like Uncle Herb and Auntie Lena. She will be missed but will be lovingly remembered. Rest in Peace Karen, hope there are Gardens in Heaven.