Karin O'DONNELL Obituary

It has been more than 10 years since the unexpected news of Karin's passing. Karin was my muse so it was hard to write after she died. The sharpness of the sadness has passed, leaving a smile as I think of her and her ready laughter and her cleverly funny emails and wordplays. She once asked how I would describe her in a single word. I chose "wit". Never nasty or satirical, she was a wordsmith in uplifting ways in all our interactions. Karin was a joy I miss. I look forward to seeing her smile, hearing her laugh and giving her a hug again in the future.

Hi Karin,

It's been over a year & I still can't think of anything eloquent to say here.

You were lovely, you enriched all our lives & you were a force of nature.

We miss you but we can always feel you smiling & laughing with us, especially down at Taupo.

Until we meet again, (please put a good word in for me, I'll need it).

Love,

Hurben & Karin

This candle is for a lady, a mother, a friend and someone I loved. Rest In Peace Kaz. Life is not the same knowing we don't share the earth any longer. Your spirit is strong, I have NO doubts you are up there having a blast. I will never forget you, simply because I love you.

I was shocked and mortified when I recently heard about Karin's tragic passing. I knew Karin when she lived in Johannesburg. To say I was fond of Karin is an understatement. Her personality was literally infectious, he smile a delight and her love cherished. I am a very sad man today knowing Karin will not be gracing our planet any longer. Even though I hadn't communicated with K for many years, I always thought about her with love and affection. My sympathy goes out to her remaining children, brother, Mother and husband. Karin, I will always love you. You stole my heart. Rest easy my love.

Karin was one of the kindest, most caring people I had ever had the priviledge of meeting. I was a film student when I first met Karin, she put in so much effort in helping not only myself but fellow classmates as well, I would love getting an email from Karin as it was always so positive, happy and encouraging, she always had so many fantastic ideas and approaches. She lit up every room she walked in. Because of her kindness, persistance and going the extra mile I was fortunate enough to be able to visit studios and production houses I had only dreamed of in the North Island, she also helped me secure my first job in the industry once graduating. I will forever be grateful to Karin and her beautiful kind spirit which touched so many. Sending so much love to her family and friends xx

Karin was more like a mother to me when I hardly knew anyone when I first moved in this country. She always supported me during my unemployment time and backed me up with positive words and support when I needed it the most. Thank you Karin for all the good memories. Love to you and the family.

I have known Karin as a student, facilitator and friend. I am sorry to have missed the funeral. Karin has always been a pleasure to be around, full of fun. She was an awesome adult educator as well as writer. I will miss working together and the debriefs afterwards which were always full of laughter. Karin, you are a wonderful example of making the most of every minute and I will always remember that about you.

Words cannot describe the huge void that Karin has left behind - Ovet the almost thirty years that Karin and I have been friends, she has been a constant source of friendhip, amusement and a person who has always been full of life - My sincerest condolences to her family on this tragic loss, dearest Karin, you will be sorely missed but I am sure that you are alrady planning activities where you are now.

All my love to John, Michael, Lara and Ina.

Giancarlo

My sincere condolences on the loss of such a beautiful, bright, bubbly, fun and vibrant woman, with the loss of Karin, I had the privilege of working with Karin, who wrote many editorials for the Selwyn Times and Star during the last 6 years, Karin and I would communicate by phone and email at least 2-3 times per week, and always had a great laugh and catch up, I really enjoyed taking Karin out for a cruise around the wineries/cafes in Lincoln & Tai Tapu in my 1960 Chev, and Karin loved it... I will miss her laugh and jokes that she used to send to brighten up our days, Many thanks Karin for all your work...you will be sadly missed by Jude, Myself, and the Selwyn Times team, such a professional and so obliging and helpful. John, Lara & Michael, our thoughts are with you at this sad time, and I hope the words of comfort from her friends and colleagues will be of comfort to you.

Karin, Lynette and myself from the Selwyn Times will miss you so much, you were always so obliging to help out with the editorials in the paper and our clients loved you, you were always so bubbly and approachable. My thoughts go to your family that you have left behind, who will miss you immensely and will treasure all those special times that they have had with you. RIP Karin xxx

Karin was an amazing woman. I worked with her at TML and I will always remember her smile. She always had a kind word, and gave her time freely to people and had warmth, and passion for everything she did. She will be sadly missed.

Dear Lara and Family We were devastated to hear that Karin had passed away so suddenly. Karin and Lara attended the Christmas Zumba Party class on 21 December with their friend Julie and had such a good time and we were so looking forward to seeing all three of them at classes in 2014 and cannot believe we won't see Karin there. We only knew her for a short time but as everyone said at her funeral Karin had the ability to touch everyone's lives in a special caring way. We were privileged to attend her funeral and hear what a wonderful Wife, Mother and Friend she was to so many people. How lucky we were to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to. Love Aften, Kerryn and Rosalie.

John, Michael, Lara, A light has gone out in the world. I hadn't seen Karin for 15 years (after working with her at Aquachlor) and she always kept in touch. Really sad that I missed seeing Karin again in Christchurch. I will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your great loss. Love Guy, Janet, Anne & Sophie Leven-Marcon

I have only known Karin for a short time through our girls group that meets up about every 6-8 weeks on a Tuesday evening. I have really enjoyed her bright sunny nature and interesting conversations. She has brought a new dimension to our group and will be greatly missed. Karin who is going to tell us which are the best eating establishments now? Special thoughts for Lara who sometimes came along with her Mum.

Although many miles have separated us these past few years, I will always fondly remember the fabulous times we shared when we were at Wits University together, our coffee breaks at the green chairs, dinners at Karin's little flat in Yeoville, her mini Maya, her friendship and all the fabulous laughs we had. Rest In Peace my friend - till we meet again. Sincere condolences to John, Lara and Michael and to her mum Ina and brother Justin. I won't be able to be at the memorial service, but I will be thinking of you all and will light a candle in Karin's memory.

Karin xx so generous, so kind, so friendly. You're gone too soon and will be missed dearly. My thoughts are with the O'Donnell family xx

Such devasting news. Karin your smiling face and laughter will always be remembered. I worked with you for such a short period of your life at Yoobee and enjoyed talking to you about the best way to prepare graduates for employment and place them in jobs. You were so thoughtful and caring about your students and grads. I will miss taking you out to the cafes in Wellington and Moore Wilsons!! My thoughts are with your family of who you spoke of so reguarly.
Serena Marston - Yoobee Wellington

I met my friend "South African Karin" through mutual friends at a dessert evening, got talking and invited her along to a Girls Nite dinner group of ladies who met regularly so that's kind of where our friendship started. Over the passed year I had met up with Karin a bit more regularly going to shows/events and our latest venture was Zumba with her daughter Lara. On Christmas Eve we both happened to be at the Bishopdale Shopping Centre and stopped for a chat sharing our plans about Christmas Day. Sharing many conversations with Karin showed how much she cared about her family. I will remember laughing and good times with Karin and she enriched my life in many ways and she will always be in my heart and thoughts and sadly missed.

I feel honored ans blessed having shared Christmas day with you. Laughing and chatting till mid evening. Oh how i no we are going to miss everything about Karin. Our love goes from the KIng family to the O'Donnell family.

Awful news. Although I didn't know Karen that well, her friendly, bubbly attitude was impossible to ignore. I had a great time with her at the weekly quizzes. My thoughts are with the family. Lara and Mod, If I can be of any help please do let me know.

The South Island Writers' Association offer their heartfelt sympathy on Karin's passing. Karin was a highly valued member of SIWA and many within the organisation hold special memories of the time she was with us. We shall miss you, Karin. South Island Writers'.

Karin shone a light that touched everyone she met. Her light will continue to shine in the thoughts and memories she leaves behind. The best friend anyone could ever wish for who will be remain in my thoughts always and who will be forever loved. My deepest condolences to John, Lara, Michael, Ena, Justine, extended family, friends and colleagues. A truly beautiful person lost from this Earth.

My thoughts are with you at this sad, sad time. I can't imagine Karin being gone - she was always such a powerful force, full of energy, life, and love. I'll always be grateful for her introducing me to the South Island Writers' Association and the smaller writing groups she was in. I can hear her lilting voice now... With deepest sympathy, Jean Arnold

Karin was the first Editor of Canterbury Rebuild magazine and was still writing for this magazine and Metropol magazine.
The passing of a highly respected, skilled wordsmith and a good friend of Metros Publishing Group and of many of it's staff personally is a great loss.
Peace to you Karin and also to your family.

John, Michael, Lara & Ena......what can I say.....the world is worse off now at the loss of Karin. We didn't see as much of each other after Merrin school days but when we did bump into each other it was as if we'd only just seen each other yesterday. And her smile! I recall it so very vividly and it was always so heartfelt & genuine. Karin's fondness of Sian particularly was treasured by me. She was a staunch ally of Sian's during some tough times and I always valued her greatly for that. And her appreciation of Adam was also treasured by us. My heart goes out to you all in this time of such sadness. Warmest regards, Beth Dunn

Another friend has gone... someone who always offered kindness, regardless of whether it was deserved... someone who saw me in times of struggle when my Dad passed away, and was gracious enough to offer me help... someone who I can not ever imagine to have said a harsh word about anyone... someone who offered infinite respect and was always happy to help... another friend has gone

Rest In Peace Karin O'Donnel - I will never forget the kindness you have always shown me

-Rob Smith

Dear John and Lara and Michael (whom I had not met but who Karin spoke of often) Sincerest condolences to you all. I recall our Christmas Dinner at The Governors Bay Hotel with fond memories of much laughter and ribald humour. Karin was a highlight each day I saw her at Natcoll and would always have an email telling me what she was up to...mainly the wish not to work but to put the feet up and have a glass of wine and enjoy the day. And she did enjoy her days - as her photos on Facebook show. A truly lovely woman whom I will miss. Thank you for sharing her with us. Love Karyn Mitchell

Karin you will be missed by many, Chris and I ( Jeff )always enjoyed you company over a meal and a drink be it at a restaurant or at a party, That nice soft South African voice of yours that made me want to know you in the first place will stay with me as a constant reminder of your pleasant and warm nature that you radiated to all that knew you. Vade in Pace, Vale, Karin, meus amica.

Oh I am just so upset..such a beautiful lovely person gone way too soon.

To John Michael Lara & Ena .... Please accept our sincere condolences at this very sad and shocking time. We have so many lovely memories of this lovely, attractive, warm, caring, smiling person. A person who was there for us when times were tough. A person who continued to touch base and check in with those she cared about. Lots of memories Lara with you girls as you grew and the many times Karen made us welcome into your home and you girls with your sleep overs etc. and just generally growing up together. Nothing was ever a bother for Karen. She was so warm and inviting. We will miss Karen and her lovely smile very much and we are thinking of you all at this extremely sad time. Love Barbara-Lee, Brianna & Rhys xxx