September 3, 1946 - October 9, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with sorrow-filled hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dynamic and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Ann Karbonik, at the age of 77 in Toronto, Ontario.
Ann was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to George & Esther Schneider. Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Richard; her son Jason (Kirsten) Karbonik; grandchildren Nathan, Claire, and Cameron of Calgary, AB; daughter Chantel (Jamie); grandchildren Estora and Parker; step-grandchildren Connor and Callum of Toronto, ON; siblings Marie (John) Kobylnyk, Larry (Edythe) Schneider, Stan (Carol) Schneider, Doug (Bev) Schneider, Carol (Ray) Thomas, Sharon (Charlie), Trefanenko, Janice Raitz, and Marilyn (Glen) Yaremko. She was predeceased by her dad George in 1956; brother Grant in 2008; mother Esther in 2011; and brother Hugh in 2012.
Ann grew up in Leduc and met the love of her life, Richard, at a party at Pigeon Lake, AB. They went on to marry on May 18th, 1968. Ann and Rich raised their family between Calgary and St. Albert. They spent many weekends and summer holidays at their cabin at Long Island Lake, AB.
Ann worked for over 20 years as an executive assistant with TransAlta. Ann followed Rich's early retirement dreams and relocated to Nanaimo, B.C., in 2003. It was in Nanaimo that Ann caught the golfing bug and joined the Nanaimo Golf Club. Ann and Rich also participated in the Gyro Club for over 20 years. Ann and Rich loved to travel the world. Her favourite vacations were to Hawaii and Italy.
Ann loved yoga, and when she moved to Toronto, she became a fixture at the Coloured Soul and Yoga Wellness Studio. Ann was larger than life, lighting up a room with her infectious laugh and warm spirit. Ann was known as a consummate hostess. She loved hosting large gatherings of friends and family. "The more, the merrier" was her motto. She loved cooking for people and having people in the kitchen with her. She was incredibly social, regularly forming new friendships and learning from those relationships.
Ann was also very passionate about volunteerism and committed many hours to the Nanaimo General Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Ann was incredibly proud of her faith, and it was central to her identity.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Nanaimo General Hospital, the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, or to a charity of your choice. In addition to the service in Edmonton, a celebration of life will be held in Toronto on a future date.
A funeral service will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on 2023-10-28 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 10661 82nd Ave NW Edmonton, Alberta.