ALLEN, Karla J. (Bethune) – Passed away peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family, on Sunday January 7, 2018, at Hospice Niagara, in her 48th year. Survived by her husband and best friend for 19 years, Michael, her loving daughters of whom she was so proud, Sofia and Jorja, her parents, Nancy and George Bethune, her sisters Sue (Julian) Ristow & family (Ben, Kai, Therese), and Jill (Matt) McGovern & family (Ava, Charlize, Kieran). Karla is also survived by the Allen family including her mother-in-law Joanne, sister-in-law Nancy Allen, and brothers-in-law Robert and Chris (Tanya) and family.
Born in Niagara Falls, July 10th, 1970, Karla graduated from A.N. Myer Secondary School and then Queen’s University with a BA of Economics, and then proceeded to obtain her MBA from Niagara University, where she also discovered her love for counselling. She worked for a number of years at the Business Education Council in St. Catharines, where she was a highly respected and valued counsellor by her peers and clients. Above all she was a devoted wife and mother who treasured her daughters and time with her family.
A special thanks to Dr. Fiona Halliday, a devoted friend and physician; Dr. Anthony Giallonardo; Dr. Bartlett and his team at UPMC; Dr. Radhika Yelamanchili and the amazing team at the Walker Cancer Centre; and Dr. Tom Li & Dr. Rajagopaul for going above and beyond.
Karla will be at the MORSE & SON FUNERAL HOME, 5917 Main Street, where her family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Wednesday. Service to celebrate her life will be held at Stamford Lane United Church, 3855 St Peter Ave (at St. John Street) on Thursday morning at 11 o’clock. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy, Karla’s family would suggest memorial donations may be may to Hospice Niagara. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morseandson.com