Karen Irene Oatway
August 1, 1955 – November 20, 2025
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Irene Oatway on November 20, 2025. Karen was born in Unity and raised on the family farm near Phippen.
Joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1973, Karen travelled the world. Highlights being as an Air Hostess on the CAF airplanes that took Jack Horner’s Canadian delegation to China. She was included in all the tours and dinners as the hostesses were the only 2 women on this trip. Karen also made several trips to bring plane loads of starving Vietnamese to Canada. She was a Peacekeeper in Egypt and helped close CND Base Lars in Germany. Karen reached the rank of Sergeant.
After a debilitating accident, she retired to Medicine Hat where she spent the following 20 plus years. In 2017 Karen moved to Unity to be closer to family and friends. She volunteered for KC Rescue, drove the Courtesy Car and delivered Meals on Wheels. Karen loved cats and cards, but it was her love of the Riders and Blue Jays that had people covering their ears.
Karen is survived by daughter Shannon Cheung (Tony), Granddaughter Jillian, brothers Dwight (Islay), Rick (Sue), sister Leslie Gautschi (Shelley) and Sister-in-law Marion plus many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Frank and Dora Oatway and her brother Derek.
We extend our gratitude to Gail McKinney for her unwavering love and support for Karen during her final years. Having a best friend like Gail is truly special.
She leaves behind many special friends too numerous to list. We would like to thank the Unity Home Care ladies for their untiring service. The Unity Hospital, Our Drug Store and the Unity Co-op all made her last 2 years so much easier.
Interment will be in the Adanac Cemetery in the spring.
Memorial donations to KC Rescue, Box 1581, Unity, SK S0K 4L0.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
Many years ago at Starview Church camp I met Karen. She is such a lovely gal. Condolences to her family and friends
I was Karen’s next door neighbour for 5.5 years. We became good friends and now I really miss her.
I am saddened of the news of Karen. She was a dear friend and we kept in touch since I first meant her in 1973. She and I served together in Chilliwack. I shared so many of her life events. She was an innocent soul that things just seem to happen to. RIP young lady. ❤️
I served with Karen at 437 Squadron in Trenton, and we were both on the same flight attendant course today. We have kept in touch over the years, and shared a lot of memories of our flying experiences. My condolences to her family.
So sad to hear of Karen’s passing. I, too, served with Karen at 437 Sqn and admired her and all the other women that served there. Karen was full of laughter and brought much joy to all those who were fortunate to know her. She served her country and lived her life well. Condolences to all, she will be remembered.