TWU's School of Nursing is launching a project in memory of Karen Jonson who taught for TWU in the 1990s and in the MSN program from 2010 – 2013. Karen passed away in Kamloops on May 6, 2022.
Karen graduated from the University of Alberta in 1966. She was instrumental in the early years of the BSN program, developing and teaching courses for the care of the older adult. Thereafter she worked with Fraser Health as a manager and Director of Professional Practice (2005 – 2010), before returning to a part-time role teaching leadership in the MSN program (2010 – 2013). She received the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) Nursing Award of Distinction in 2009. Karen was a very positive person, leading in a person-affirming way, casting vision for shared goals and bringing out the best in people.
TWU colleagues remember Karen:
From Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham (Dean, TWU Nursing): Karen instilled much leadership wisdom in those she worked with and mentored. She offered me guidance as I took on increasing leadership roles in the School of Nursing and she prayed faithfully for our nursing students and faculty.
From Rick Sawatzky (Professor, TWU Nursing): I have such good memories of Karen, having first come to know her as an instructor for a care of older adults course during my BSN studies at TWU in the 1990s. She shared so much passion for nursing, deep experiential insight, and care.
From Angela Wolff (Associate Professor, TWU Nursing): I worked closely with Karen as she was a director in Professional Practice when I joined the Fraser Health team. I was inspired to work alongside her.
From Anne Redmond (Nursing Lab Coordinator, TWU Nursing): I have wonderful memories, of Karen. She was such an excellent educator and I was privileged to take the leadership course with her during my master’s degree.
From Sarah Pahl (Instructor, TWU Nursing): So sorry to hear of Karen’s sudden passing. She was one of my first profs during my undergrad at Kwantlen. She taught me the history of nursing and professional growth. She was such a great lady.
From Kathleen Lounsbury (Instructor, TWU Nursing): I remember Karen in my undergrad and graduate work at TWU and I was impressed with her professionalism and caring.
Creating an outdoor conversation space in memory of Karen Jonson
To honour Karen’s contributions, the School of Nursing is creating an outdoor conversation space with a seating area, planters, and a commemoration inscription. Karen had a way of making others feel comfortable and was a kind listener, and this space will continue in her spirit of hospitality.
For former students and colleagues of Karen who would like to contribute to this project as a way of honouring her, donations can be made online at TWU's online giving by selecting "Other" and indicating "In memory of Karen Jonson" in the Notes section. For gifts by cheque, please mail your gift to TWU's Development Office at 22500 University Drive, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.