Obituary for Karen Lynn Boyajian (nee Callaghan)
My incredible friend, wife, partner and love Karen Lynn Boyajian (née Callaghan) left the physical world on Nov. 3, 2021, at the age of 59.
Karen — affectionately and fittingly known as Kare — was born in Toronto on June 19, 1962. She grew up in Burlington as the second of four children. She was intelligent and spunky — a tiger who faced life with courage and passion. By her teens, she had become a music enthusiast, an avid book reader, and an empathetic soul. All who knew her could sense that, they, were special in her eyes. Karen didn’t define people by their shortcomings but by their potential. She loved her family, friends and everyone she met completely.
Karen became a nurse (RPN) at a young age and continued through the ranks to become an RN, later receiving her Masters in Nursing. She had a special focus and designations in heart function and gerontology, winning awards throughout her career for both her educational achievements and for teaching. Karen later passed along her knowledge to many young nurses as a preceptor and mentor. Karen exuded love and care as she helped AIDS patients when the rest of the world shunned them and judged them for their actions. She had been retired for about one year, after 37 years in the medical field, when, the monster, that is breast cancer came calling in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2006, Karen married Stepan Boyajian. Together, they made a home in Dundas and enjoyed 15 years together surrounded by friends, family, and a large cohort of nieces and nephews with whom they loved to spend time.
Karen found joy in many things: a relaxing afternoon with friends, attending a concert with a niece or nephew, travelling with Stepan, reading a good book. It was in moments with those she loved that she could share her many talents and interests, never hesitating to share her skills in crocheting, cooking, philosophizing, and even answering the many health-related questions every medical professional can expect from family — even if it was just reassurance over a minor scrape. She was a comfort, a confidant, and a creative force for so many.
Karen is survived by her loving husband Stepan, her parents Margaret and Gord Callaghan, siblings Michael (Kathy) and Kelly (Robert), 16 nieces and nephews, 4 great-nephews and 1 great-niece. She is pre-deceased by her beloved brother Jeff (Claudia).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities that were close to Karen’s heart: Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, and Juravinski Cancer Centre.
Condolences, memories and photos may be left at www.circleoflifecbc.com
www.heartandstroke.ca/
cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation
www.hamiltonhealth.ca/donate
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Karen Lynn Boyajian nee Callaghan June 19 1962 November 3 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Dundas, Province: Ontario
Karen defined the word “nurse”. She was kind, caring, compassionate and non-judgemental. I felt an immediate connection to her inner beauty and soul. I cannot imagine what loss this is to Stepan and family which she spoke of so fondly and often. Godspeed Karen, I love you❤️