Karen Amy Faust

With saddened hearts, we announce that Karen Amy Faust, age 71 of Saskatoon, SK., passed away quietly on April 18, 2023, with family at her side.

Karen was born August 27, 1951, to Helen and Abe Dyck. Three years later a baby brother joined the family, Marvin James.

Karen’s parents, along with her uncle and aunt, ran a grocery store in Rosthern. As the only time off was usually Sundays, this one day of the week was spent attending church and then visiting lots of cousins and relatives. In summer it included fishing, swimming, and road trips with picnics.

In 1971 Karen married Cyril Bright in a union that lasted 25 years. Two children were born, Angela Dawne and Jennifer Leanne.

Karen was a keen homemaker and a caring mother. Learning how to cook, clean, sew, garden and craft. There were some part-time jobs, but home was where she liked to be.

In 1974 after not attending church for many years, Karen decided to return as she wanted her children to know about God. Karen had become a Christian as a young child at her mother’s side. Later when the girls were in public school Karen finally became baptized. She got further involved in the church by teaching Sunday school, sitting on committees and even becoming the SS Superintendent.

When the girls were teenagers, the family moved to Calgary where Karen decided to go back to work, part-time led quickly to full-time. The jobs were office based and ranged from reception to bookkeeping.

Karen returned to Saskatoon in the late 90’s. It was a difficult time; her marriage ended, her only brother passed, and Karen’s mother passed away. Karen persevered, got a great job with ABC Canada, and spent time travelling. She often planned trips based on where Angela was working/ going to school, Nova Scotia, Montreal, Stratford, Los Angeles to name a few.

In 2003, Karen married Melvin Faust. They moved to Candle Lake and spent many days by the water. At this time Karen discovered her hidden talent for woodworking as she made the cabinet doors and drawers for their custom kitchen and bathroom business. She must have been good because at one point she was handed a $1000 tip from a customer!

Both daughters eventually married and moved to BC, numerous trips were taken there. Karen was very excited when Jenn and Tom had children, first Agnes Amy and then Sebastian Thomas. That meant even more trips for Grammy.

Karen loved people and was always ready for visits with coffee and homemade desserts. She hosted many meals in her homes. She loved decorating for every season. She made many items in her craft rooms. When the girls were young, she even made dolls that sold in a local shop. She loved nature and enjoyed road trips – to the mountains in Alberta and the many lakes in Saskatchewan. She was always planning her next craft project or weekend get-away.

In 2018 Karen was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, the same cancer her father passed away from in 1976. She quit her job and started on a journey of chemo, natural drugs, faith and positivity to try to heal herself. No chemo was ever finished, there was four attempts. With the prayers of many around the world Karen continued to live many years after her diagnosis. Eventually there were fatigue and blood transfusions but for most of battle she was pain free.

In April 2022 Karen moved into her very own apartment in Saskatoon after separating from Mel. She was excited to spend her remaining time doing the things she loved. Unfortunately, it was short lived as that same month she was given her 12 month diagnosis.

Karen leaves to mourn her daughters Angela Dawne Bright and Jennifer Leanne Underwood, her son-in-law Tom Underwood, her grandchildren Agnes Amy Underwood and Sebastian Thomas Underwood, and extended family and friends.

Karen was predeceased by her parents Abe and Helen Dyck, her brother Marvin James, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

We love you mom. We miss you. 🤍 _