Karen Gordon Obituary, Death – On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Hanover and District Hospital, Karen Pettigrew Gordon (nee Schenk), a resident of Hanover, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing. Her age was 81. Karen Schenk was born on November 2, 1941, to the late George Schenk and Mary “nee Fleming” Schenk. Both of her parents have since passed away. Within her close-knit family of seven children, she was the third child born. She had a deep affection for all kinds of creatures, and her life was filled with many pets that were quickly adopted into the family.
She was active in the community through her membership at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Neustadt, where she delighted in participating in worship and spending time with others. She could be feisty, but she also had a very kind heart, and she will be greatly missed by everyone. She had a quick wit, was full of life, and was resilient. She always put the requirements of others ahead of her own requirements because she had a heart that was larger than life. Her personality, which was like a ball of fire, her hilarious stories, her outdoor adventures, and the inventive meals she prepared will be remembered for all time. She was the glue that held her family together, and now that she’s passed away, we’re going to honor the legacy of love that she’s left behind for us to carry on.
John “Jack” Gordon, Karen’s husband, resides in Hanover and will care for their children. She was the loving mother of Marsha Blum (Willy) of Owen Sound, Dave Pettigrew (Cindy) of Hanover, Peter Pettigrew of Owen Sound, Philip Pettigrew of Toronto, and Melissa Henkusens (Todd) of Ayton. Karen was the grandmother of her many cherished grandchildren, some of whom are as follows: Laura (Ryne), Ashley (Dillon), Allison (Craig), Emily (Brent), Brittany, Jill (Trevor), Emily (Brent), Brittany, Rylan (Anna), Brianna (Nick), Zach, Brock, Alanna, and Tarin. Her great-grandchildren Joshua, Chloe, Savannah, Cole, Beckett, Taylor, and Jordan doted on her and showed her nothing but love. Her siblings Shirley (Hugh) Black of Newport, Rhode Island, Jack (Helen) Schenk of Tobermory, Suzanne (Randi) Crewson of Barrie, and George (Donna) Schenk of Kitchener will all remember Karen with great affection.
She leaves behind a large number of nieces, nephews, and their families, all of whom will miss her. Joe and Lynn Pickering, who reside in Hanover, are Karen’s closest friends, and they will remember her fondly. Her first husband, Paul Pettigrew, passed away in 2001, and her sisters Mary Ellen Brookshaw (2021) and Judy Weech also passed away before her (2022). Her cremation was carried out in accordance with her last wishes. A Memorial Service will take place in the early spring of the New Year; further details will be provided when they become available. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Hanover & District Hospital Foundation or the Grey-Bruce Animal Shelter would be greatly appreciated. Mighton Funeral Home in Hanover has been entrusted with the care of the arrangements at this time.