Karen Westh Gorrell

Karen Westh Gorrell (nee Sondergaard) of Morrisburg, formerly of Denmark, passed away peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital on Sat., May 19, 2007. She was 67. Her illness was very short; the cancer spread quite rapidly.
She was born in Holstebro, Denmark on March 12, 1940 to Ejnar and Mille Sondergaard. She was the beloved wife of the late George William J. H. Gorrell Q.C. She was the loving partner and companion of John Miller. She was the dear step-mother of Phyllis (Terry) Hidichuck of Manitoba, George (Jennifer) of Oxford Mills, Frederick (Annie) of Washington, D.C., and Edward (Karen) of Toronto. She is also survived by her sister Johanne (Christian) Nohr, and brothers Neils (Gudrun), and Ove (Karen Marie), all of Denmark.
Karen arrived in Morrisburg in September 1968, and was exceptionally active in the community. Widowed by the late G. William Gorrell, Q.C., her Lakeshore Drive home became a beehive of activity for local organizations and volunteer work. She became a real estate broker and acquired Thom Realty Limited in the mid 1980s. She sold many homes over the years, and assisted people in purchasing houses, businesses, farms, and rural properties. Dedicated to the real estate profession, she was also past president of the St. Lawrence-Rideau Valley Real Estate Brokers Association.
She was very active in the local chapters of the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, holding a variety of positions. Dedicated to promoting the area, she also found time to serve on the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. She was always active in the Morrisburg and District Chamber of Commerce and Morrisburg Business Improvement Association, and served as president of both organizations. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the Morrisburg chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and visited chapters throughout Ontario. Likewise, she thoroughly enjoyed rising to the position of Past Noble Grand of St. Lawrence Rebekah Lodge, where duties took her throughout the Eastern District.
Karen keenly promoted the advancement and equal opportunities for women in Eastern Ontario. She was the first elected woman to the Council of Morrisburg and initiated the development and revitalization of the waterfront. She was honoured to be the first woman president of the Morrisburg and District Canadian Club, which was previously an all-male organization.
She was also a significant force in the political landscape of Ontario. Not only was she active in all provincial and federal campaigns, but she was also on the provincial executive of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, and served with distinction as president of the Ontario Women's Progressive Conservative Association.
She met John Miller and the two of them enjoyed a close and special relationship for over 20 years. They enjoyed working together in the real estate business, and maintaining their century home. They travelled throughout the world, and visited and cared for the sick and needy. Together, they enjoyed taking part in all local functions and activities, especially dancing.
Karen was a true people person, and was hostess to many a memorable party at her waterfront home. She had a special relationship with all children who enjoyed playing on her lawn, and swimming during those hot summer days down at her dock.
She always kept in close contact with her family. Her mother Mille was a regular visitor every summer at her home in Morrisburg. Karen in turn travelled to Denmark annually to see her mother, brothers, sister, and her many nieces and nephews.
She will be dearly missed but always fondly remembered as a true lady who touched the hearts of many people, both young and old alike.
Friends and family were received at St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg for a celebration of Karen's life on Fri., May 25, 2007 with Rev. Craig Bowers officiating. Interment followed at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The pallbearers were Dick Testerink, Peter Remillard, Dan Weagant, Sid Thew, Marianne Grenkie, and Gordon Lane.
Donations to St. James Anglican Church, Winchester District Memorial Hospital, or the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Karen will be gratefully acknowledged.
The arrangements were entrusted to the Parker Funeral Home in Morrisburg.
Condolences and donations may be made at parkerfh@personainternet.com.