Karen passed away at the Guelph General Hospital on Friday, January 11, 2019, in her 68th year.
She was the beloved sister of David J. Ryde and sister-in-law of Brenda (Slipp) Ryde. Predeceased by her parents James A. Ryde and Dorothy J. (Doran) Ryde, her dear brother Douglas Norrie Ryde, and her grandparents Norrie and Evelyn Ryde and Daniel and Ruby Doran. Karen was born in 1951 with mental retardation and handicaps. She was put into the care of the government institutions at a young age, but was visited regularly by her family through the years. She lived a long life with the good care she received.
Special thanks to John Oosterhuis for his role and support in bringing Karen and Doug to Hopewell Children’s Homes of Ariss. Thanks for the loving care that she received while at Hopewell, with special thanks to Tina, Shelley, Rebecca and the countless other staff members who touched Karen’s life and were touched by Karen’s life. Thanks to Ladonna at Hopewell and the other managerial staff for their care and support. Thank you to the nursing staff of 4W and 5W at the Guelph General Hospital, Dr. Harvey, Dr. Sid Brodovsky, and Rev. Jean Mitchell of St. George’s.
A small funeral at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 11 am. Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre. Private burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions to Hopewell Children’s Homes or the Foundation of the Guelph General Hospital would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Karen L. Ryde in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 2:30 pm.