Karen Crossley, 57, passed away in her sleep July 28, 2020.
A talented and prolific writer, she had recently retired, due to increasing health issues, from her position of Communications Officer at Canada Revenue Agency, where she was employed since 2002.
Karen was a lifelong learner, achieving her BA in English and History from the University of Winnipeg, a Creative Communications diploma in Journalism from Red River Community College, and her master's degree in English Literature from the University of Manitoba, beginning studies toward a PhD shortly thereafter.
She loved both drama and travel from an early age; interests that she pursued for her own enjoyment, and professionally, as a freelance journalist and features writer for The Winnipeg Sun, and a freelance writer for numerous arts and entertainment programs and publications.
She had an abiding passion for horses, in the flesh, in literature and as collectible models and figurines. She volunteered with the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association; was an avid fan of equestrian events, competitions, and novels; wrote her master's thesis on the children's literature classic, Black Beauty; was well regarded in the horse collecting world, known throughout Canada and the US; and most recently, created a blog, Dust Ponies, for fellow aficionados of Breyer Club model horses and other related collectibles.
Karen was pre-deceased by her father, Robert Crossley, in 2009, and is mourned by her mother, June, brother, Gordon, and sister, Kim, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.