Obituary of Karen Elizabeth Phillips

It is with deep sorrow, but an appreciation of a life well lived and loved, the family of Karen Elizabeth Phillips, announce her passing on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Bobby’s Hospice. After a five year-long courageous battle with cancer, Karen passed peacefully with her family by her side.

Born on December 30, 1970, in Saint John, she was the daughter of Richard and Margaret (Dupuis) Phillips. Karen graduated from KVHS in 1989 and went on taking various jobs, including pastry chef, office administrator, and eventually began a successful career renovating houses. She had an eye for detail and was able to make any house a home. Karen was known for her baking, making delicious desserts for any occasion. Karen was a devoted mother and nothing gave her more pleasure than watching her daughter, Kirsten, grow into a wonderful woman.

Karen was proud to watch all of Kirsten’s life accomplishments and was overjoyed to finally become a grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her deeply bonded group of friends, laughing and making wonderful memories.

Karen was a strong, independent, hard-working woman. She loved a beautiful sunset, her favourite being in her own backyard. She loved being by the water, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding or just simply taking in the view. She was an adventurous traveller, taking cruises with family and solo bucket list trips to Thailand and Kenya. She enjoyed Tuesday night movies with a lap full of candy. Karen was very creative and was always working on a project. She was a lover of animals, most of all her four cats which brought her great comfort. Karen loved to laugh and had a smile that could light up any room.

Besides her parents, Karen is survived by her beloved daughter Kirsten Appleby (Liam) of Quispamsis, her 2 month old granddaughter, Nora, her brother Kevin Phillips (Christina), her niece Kara Milliron of North Carolina, and her mother in law Alice Pursey, as well as many dear friends.

Karen was predeceased by her maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as Kirsten’s father, Mark Pursey.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital Oncology Department, and the staff at Bobby’s Hospice for their care and compassion towards Karen through the years.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) with visitation on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. A celebration of Karen’s life will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home at 11:00AM with a reception to follow. Interment to take place at All Saint’s Anglican Cemetery later that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Karen can be made to Bobby’s Hospice or the Canadian Cancer Society.