KAREN JANE ORTLIEB, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Michael's Health Centre on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the age of 56, after a brave and quiet battle with cancer.

She is lovingly remembered by her dear companion and best friend of 29 years, Dennis Stringam, her stepdaughters, Stacey (Chad) Lysak and Chelsea Stringam (Jeff Ainscough) and grandchild, Rosealynn. She is also survived by her parents, Walter & Violet Ortlieb, her brothers, Ronald (Jodie) Ortlieb and Kevin Ortlieb, her nieces and nephew, Amber, Leslie, Ashley and Jason (Russet) Ortlieb and grandnieces, Gracie, Hannah, Alexandria and Lucy.

Karen was born on March 22, 1963 in Edmonton to Walter & Violet Ortlieb. She instantly became their beloved daughter as well as a beloved sister to Ronald and Kevin - her twin.  She worked in the family business, Classic Carpets, for 26 years.

Karen loved nature; she would spend time watching and nurturing the wild rabbits and birds in her yard. She especially loved her dog, Buddy, who predeceased her. Gardening - specifically flowers - was a passionate hobby. History and politics were also areas of interest that sparked both learning and dynamic conversations.

Karen loved to travel; specifically, she enjoyed the time she spent in Kauai with Dennis, as well as a Mediterranean cruise with her mom. She travelled with her family to her parents' homeland, Germany in 1972.

Furthermore, Karen enjoyed working with her hands. She crocheted, baked and experimented with many recipes and was generous in sharing her creations. This past Christmas, she crocheted beautiful Christmas stockings for each of her nephew's children and had already begun working on their Christmas gifts for 2019. In the end, Karen's family sparked much joy as she shared her talents and gifts.

A Celebration of Karen's Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, May 27, 2019 at 2:00 P.M.

Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre: c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.