August 14, 1940 – January 8, 2024 

Our mother, Karin Williams (nee Kiesel, Williams) died peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024, with her beloved daughters, Elisabeth and Caroline, at her bedside at Overlander Trinity Hospice in Kamloops, B.C. She is pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Maria Grasholm, her first husband Joern-Heinz Kiesel, and second husband Clement Raymond Williams. Mom is survived by her daughters, Elisabeth Kiesel, Caroline Whitelaw (Chris), grandsons Patrick, Connor (Emma), Cameron (Jaida), her “bonus” kids, Raymond Clarke (Deena) and Claire Campbell-Williams, her eldest sister Ursula Peemoeller (Winnipeg), and nieces and nephews Sabine, Oliver, Nina, and Eric. In addition to her family, mom will be missed by many friends in Kamloops, Winnipeg, and Germany. 

Karin was born on August 14, 1940, in Hamburg, Germany, to Erich Friedrich Wilhelm Dahlenburg and Elisabeth Emma Katharina Dahlenburg (nee Meinika), the youngest of three girls and, as she would have agreed, by far the sassiest. Mom often shared stories of her life growing up in Germany during and after WWII, the special bond she had with her parents and sisters, and many fascinating stories of life in Germany, visiting dance halls with her friends as a young woman, and eventually her travels to Canada when she was in her early 20s. Mom followed her sisters, Ursula and Maria, to Winnipeg in 1960 where she spent one year working and enjoying the city before moving back to Hamburg to marry our father, Joern-Heinz Kiesel, on June 22, 1961. Two years later in June 1963, they welcomed their first child, Elisabeth, and Anne-Caroline in May 1967. Missing her sisters and looking for a fresh start in Canada, our parents set out for a new life, arriving in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 4, 1968. Through the years Karin worked in partnership with her late husband, Clem, and spent a short time working in home support for Family Services of Winnipeg. Even though mom and Clem divorced in the late 90s they remained close until Clem died suddenly in 2006. 

In 2005, mom relocated from Winnipeg to Kamloops with Caroline and Chris, a move she never regretted. She treasured the ability to participate in the daily lives of her grandsons, Connor and Cam, and she was over the moon when Elisabeth relocated to Kamloops from the Yukon in 2009 with her husband Mark Janus. Over the years in Kamloops, mom became part of the German Society, where she made many great friends (Sylvia, Helga, Betty, Heidi, to name a few) and enjoyed their regular get-togethers. Mom loved the climate in Kamloops and the ability to be outdoors often. Until she became ill, mom enjoyed her daily walks at Mac Island with her dear friend, Sylvia, gardening, clearing her own snow, chatting with neighbours, and keeping active. Walking with her at Mac Island was a bit like walking with a celebrity: everyone seemed to know her. On many hot summer days, mom would make surprise visits to our house for a dip in the pool, popping the back door open with a “yoohoo! I’m here for a submerge!” 

Karin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in late November 2023. Her illness and passing shocked us all, but we are so grateful to have had mom healthy for as long as we did. She always made those she cared for feel special and nothing made her happier than having her family around her, particularly her grandsons. She loved all her grandsons so much, and she had an especially close connection with Patrick. Family dinners at grandma’s hold precious memories. Lasagna and purple cabbage will never taste as good as hers. We miss her so much. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Brennan Arduini, Dr. Sarah Trudeau, Scarlett Rayla, Mary-Lee and the incredible staff at Overlander, and to the staff of Cypress Funeral and Cremation Services. Your support helped get us through the darkest days and we will never forget your compassion and kindness. Thank you for supporting mom in dying on her terms. 

In accordance with mom’s wishes, no service will take place. If friends and family wish they may donate in her memory to Trinity Hospice at Overlander, Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program, or A Way Home Kamloops. 

“Miss me but don’t be sad. Remember me enjoying life, digging in the garden, snipping plants. Think of me when the first flowers bloom in spring and when the tomatoes ripen.” 

Karin Williams

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Williams family.

• Date : 2024-01-08
• Location : Kamloops