Obituary of Karen Louise Wheaton

WHEATON, Karen Louise, 81 – SHEET HARBOUR: An unfinished painting sits on our mother’s easel - Karen Wheaton, the artist. She set down her paintbrush and oils for the last time and passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2023, as she wanted, at home, while her daughters held her in their arms. Mum lived her life exactly as she wished. She began her career as a hairdresser in Halifax and became a stylist for the Don Messer’s Jubilee creating the “Beehive hairdo” made famous by Marg Osbourne. Eventually she and her lifelong best friend, Hope McKeown, relocated to Toronto where she continued her career under the loving eye of her Aunt Clare. In 1963 she returned to Nova Scotia, married and, in time, Katrina and Lisa were born. Her two daughters are ‘the pride of her life’. Proud of their careers and lives she often said that her two girls brought her life the greatest joy. She enjoyed their long phone calls, preparations for their visits home and loved sharing their stories with her sisters. Karen endured many years of physical pain from arthritis that was the result of a broken hip at age 12 but that never held her back from the pleasure she derived from painting and living life to the fullest. She was self-taught and had a meticulous style, creating her own detailed masterpieces of still life, stunning florals, fishing boats and colourful seascapes. The family gatherings with her nine siblings were a source of great joy for her, cooking delicious meals while ABBA played in the background. Dancing was also a lifelong pleasure – going back to Kenney’s Dance Hall and jiving with the local fellows. Karen was fiercely independent and although small in stature, she had a powerful personality. Mum was an avid, accomplished sailor – enjoying sailing “Three Ladies” to Cape Breton, Bermuda and beyond. She took control of her life and lived accordingly. She was in charge right up until her last breath. Karen is survived by her two daughters Katrina and Lisa Wheaton (Stewart Thompson); brother Howard (Patty) Henley; sisters Judy (Bernie) Smiley, Angie (Terry) Havlik, Janice (Michael) Christie, Sue Henley; sisters-in-law Leslie Henley and Barb Henley; brother-in-law Gary Verge; and best friend since they were five years old, Hope McKeown; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her step-grandchildren Megan and Ethan, Talia and Nicolas. Predeceased by her parents Bill and Helen Henley; sister Sandra Verge; and brothers Greg, Wayne, Gary and sister-in-law Donna Henley; and nephew Randy Verge. We would like to thank the medical staff at ESMH; homecare nurse Nicole (Joey) Hubley; special thanks to Aunt Janice, Aunt Susan and Aunt Patty; Pharmacist Tanya Smiley at Lawton’s; Bruce and Elicia at Crowell’s; and those family and friends who were there for her along the way. Visitation at Crowell’s Funeral Home, 22558 Hwy 7, Sheet Harbour on Tuesday July 18th 7-9 pm with prayers at 7:30. A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Sheet Harbour on Wednesday, July 19 at 2 pm, officiated by Archbishop Martin Currie. Reception to follow at Sheet Harbour Lions Centre, 183 Pool Road, Sheet Harbour. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Harbour View Lodge Continuing Care http://harbourviewlodge.ca/