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53 comments on “Karen Rak”

  1. I only had the honour of meeting Karen a few times, but she will be remembered as a loving sister to my dear friend Jen.
    You gave her an beautiful service, and our deepest sympathies to ALL the families that are so sad at present. Just try to focus on all the wonderful times you shared with karen

  2. Such a beautiful celebration of Karens life. It was lovely to listen to all the wonderful memories you will forever have of her. I am thinking of you all and sending you lots of love and virtual hugs during this heartbreaking time. May she rest in peace. Xx

  3. Beautiful service. Condolences to all the family. Had many fun times and outings with Karen. She’s now resting in peace.

  4. Today was such a beautiful service. RIP Karen. You were such a wonderful person and we have great memories of you from OLA. My Condolences to the Rak family, Adrian and all the Fox family. Regards Tania McNeill

    Sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I knew her through Paul and worked with her at RM. My Condolences to Sarah , Melissa and families. It was a lovely Mass Service for her. Now in Gods care. Marjorie Brady.

  5. I have known Karen for over thirty years as my sister in law and I knew Paul for even longer dating back to our days as caddies at RM. We have shared many great family functions together and it has been a pleasure to be a part of their lives and especially the two girls lives as they have grown to be a tribute to their parents. Love Michael O’Brien

  6. I watched Karen’s mass here in the comfort of my lounge room here in Northern Ireland. A beautiful service. Love to Sarah and Melissa, Jackson and wee Flo. Girls you were both so strong with beautiful words for your mummy. To Adrian a great job under the hardest of circumstances, so many wonderful memories you shared. Love to my dearest Aunty Pat, and love to Jenny and Graeme. May Karen RIP, her suffering is over. Remember her goodness. I am glad to have had her in my life. Xxx

  7. A beautiful service for a beautiful lady.

    Hugs to all the Rak and Fox families. Karen was a battler with a beautiful heart. May she find the peace she deserves. Take love in knowing she is watching over you all. She will be sorely missed.

    Love Tracey Bowe, Nicholas and John

  8. Dear Auntie Pat, Uncle Ted, Jenny, Graeme, Adrian and Mel and Sarah, thank you for letting me be a part of your day to say goodbye to Karen. Mel and Sarah – your words were so beautiful and you are proof of what an amazing person your mum is. Adrian – you told a beautiful story about a beautiful person. Saying goodbye is the hardest thing and under these difficult times when we can’t be there to support each other just adds another level of sadness. Sending you all my love. Di

  9. What a beautiful celebration of your gorgeous mum’s life. So much love and devotion. Your mum would be very proud of you Sarah and Mel. All my love beautiful girl.

  10. What a beautiful service and a fantastic celebration of Karen’s life; a joyous life beautifully lived. Such great memories shared by Adrian, Sarah and Melissa. Karen was always a warm and kind person to me and instantly made me feel welcome whenever we met. Our thoughts, care and love are with the Rak and Fox families at this very difficult time.

    Pete & Fee

  11. Dear Mel and Family, what a beautiful celebration of your Mothers life, she would be so very proud of you all. Thank you for the privilege in sharing this time with you. All my thoughts and love are with you, Ellie Mackinnon

  12. What a beautiful service and a fantastic celebration of Karen’s life; a joyous life beautifully lived. Such great memories shared by Adrian, Sarah and Melissa. Karen was always a warm and kind person to me and instantly made me feel welcome whenever we met. Our thoughts, care and love are with the Rak and Fox families at this very difficult time.

    Pete & Fee

  13. Sarah, Melissa and family, such a sad day, but what a beautiful service girls. Mum would of been so proud of what you did for her today. Sending our love from Evesham rd.

  14. Hey Cous,
    I’ll meet you up there for boogie!
    Keep them on their toes!!
    I’m going to miss you so much till then.
    Love you Cous.
    Clare

  15. Although I only met Karen briefly, It’s so nice to hear her life stories. I see Karen in Sarah in so many ways and it’s clear now that Sarah’s love of tennis, horse racing, dancing and caring for her students stems from her. Karen must be so proud of her daughters and gorgeous grand daughter too. I’m sure Karen will continue to live through her girls and her family.

    My heart is with you all.

    Kristina Khoo

  16. A beautiful service, highlighting all the wonderful attributes of Karen, who will be lovingly remembered by us always. Our thoughts and condolences to all the family X

  17. Thank you for reliving some beautiful memories for me. I remember so vividly the poke in mass and the darl on the phone. That beautiful delicious wicked sense of humour. Thank you for sharing with us all today. So many years missed. Sending love to all the family. So grateful she was lucky enough to be a nana IT CHANGES YOUR LIFE. XXXXXXXXXXXX
    Bronwyn Mepstead(Treweek)

  18. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Pslam 23:4

  19. Dear Karen, what a wonderful person. I loved having a laugh outside the Parish office. My children, Elizabeth and Sam loved you. You will always be remembered as a kind and loving person. We’ll miss you dearly. Thanks for all your love and laughs, and what a smile.
    Love Lisa Harris and family, and all of the OLA Parish community xxxxxxx

  20. Our dearest cousin Karen,
    I feel blessed to shared some of my time on this earth with your beautiful spirit and positive energy.
    You are greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
    With much love
    Your cousin James

  21. Dearest Aunty Karen,
    You are going to be truly missed, I am truly blessed to say that you are my Aunty.
    We may not of seen each other or spoke often, but we made up for it at family gatherings, I will truly miss our conversations, I always found comfort talking to you, I appreaciated your honest opinon, and guidance. I know you and Granddad are together looking down on us all, and you both will always still be with us in spirit. I am sending all my love and condolesnces to my amazingly stong cousins Sarah, Mel, Jackson and Florence. To my beautiful Nanny, to my father Graeme, Aunty Jenny, Michael, Uncle Adrian and Jo. You are all in my thoughts, Love always forever, Chrissie, Brad, Jaydn, Ethan and Charlie. xoxoxo

  22. To my Darling Karen. My life will never be the same. I cannot express the heart ache I feel at losing you and how hard it is and will be for a long time for Sarah and Melissa and all you family. We shared so much in the 26years we knew each other, getting lost in the line dances sweltering in the heat a Tamworth, holidays away from everyone, learning how to make cheese, truffle hunting, jet boating through the hole in the rock in New Zealand. The many trips you had to my place in northern new south wales, and helping me through all my past relationships. I know that I will never have another true and loyal friend like you, or feel as accepted by your family. With al l my love heart and soul. I will miss you for ever.
    Love Leanne.
    Rest in peace my beautiful sweet friend xxxx

  23. Karen thanks for being such a great sister to Adrian and me when we were young boys. Picking us up and dropping us off from golf on your way to work. I can remember you as a nurse with your watch attached to your uniform. As we grew up you were always there for a chat and laugh at parties and family get togethers. I was lucky to have the foxes as my extended family. You were a huge part of that, your infectious grin and cheeky smile. You always had a happy and optimistic outlook. I only have fond memories of you and and your family. You were inclusive and were a wonderful person. To the Rak and Fox family i send my deepest condolences on losing a beautiful mother, sister, and daughter, and I wish i could be there in person to give you all a hug. Adrian i love you mate and always will. Graeme and Jenny and Pat miss you and i am thinking of you. To Sarah and Mel I am so sorry at your loss. Love Derek, Tib, Holly, Alex, William, Kameron and Scarlett Hamilton

  24. A Tribute to our Friend Karen RIP 10 September 2020
    In the journey of life Karen came across many good friends and I believe we are numbered among them. She has left her pain behind and at the turning of her life she says to us “farewell my friends I smile and bid you goodbye.”
    God our Father, Your power brings us to birth, Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust.
    O Lord God, we come to You at this time of great shock at Karen’s death.
    Give Your peace and comfort to all who are mourning her and coming to terms with the sudden and unexpected events of this week.
    Lighten our darkness O Lord we pray and ease our sorrowing hearts.
    Pour Your peace and understanding into the hearts of all that are grieving and shower Your love on them.
    Lord, it is at a time like this that we suddenly begin to realise the great frailty of life and the brief portion that we are permitted on this earth.
    May we who are grieving take stock of our own lives and live more wisely from this day forward.
    May we be a comfort to others experiencing similar times of great sadness.
    In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

    Solidarity from days at OLA.
    Spanning the years -30’s, 40’s, 50’s 60’s 70’s with our eclectic
    gatherings, gin and tonics, champagne and whatever else was available!
    Cheers Karen you were a part of our special group.
    Love to Sarah and Melissa.
    Katherine, Rosemary, Junko, Fi, Sam, Mads, Claire and Leisha.

  25. We have great memories when we would all get together as a family at Mimma and Pappas house in Mentone, on Christmas Day. There were the 5 Rak children, Paul ( Dec.), Julie, David, Christina and Bryan, their Spouses, and Children, (23 in Total) There was an endless amount of laughter, food, prams, toys, nappy bags and Christmas gifts.
    These were very happy times and Karen was a big part of it.
    Karen will be remembered for her happy demeanour and infectious laugh.
    Sending Love to Sarah, Melissa, Jackson, Flo and The Fox Family.
    Christina (nee Rak), Mark, Haydn and Lachie Reeves

  26. Dear Karen ,
    Thank you for the wonderful memories.
    We had such a social life in the early years when our children were younger and we were fortunate enough not to be working .
    Many years we spent playing competition tennis. Never any pressure on the court lots of laughter and good tennis lead us to winning many trophies.
    Our love of horses saw us attending many days at the races, usually during the Spring Carnival or Caulfield. We would always venture to the stables to talk to the horses to see if we could pick the winner. Over the years we didn’t do too badly.
    It was always lovely to catch up for dinners and special occasions enjoy delicious food and red wine.
    It was sad that you were not able to do as much traveling as you had planned due to the coronavirus restrictions. We will remember how proud you were to become a granny.
    Condolences to Sarah Mel Jackson and Flo to Jenny and family.
    Your beautiful mother and Sister will be always in our hearts.
    Love
    Robin

  27. We have great memories when we would all get together as a family at Mimma and Pappas house in Mentone on Christmas Day. There were the 5 Rak children, Paul ( Dec.), Julie, David, Christina and Bryan, their Spouses, and Children, (23 in Total) There was an endless amount of laughter, food, prams, toys, nappy bags and Christmas gifts.
    These were very happy times and Karen was a big part of it.
    Karen will be remembered for her happy demeanour and infectious laugh.
    Sending Love to Sarah, Melissa, Jackson, Flo and The Fox Family.
    Christina (nee Rak), Mark, Haydn and Lachie Reeves

  28. I have no idea where to start if I think of family Karen’s right there always , with kind words And support Even if you didn’t want to hear it , I have lots and lots of memories starting with as kids going to Seaford and I loved it when we got to sleep in Karen’s room Then all the family get togethers , me having my third child Tamara and Karen having her second Melissa being born only a day apart, I have a picture here of Karen in Trents black Akubra that was a great day selling Pupoies in melb and staying with Karen and the girls , then just going to stay for time together while Tony was in Darwin , and my closest memory is AJ wedding , Karen was so so happy , dancing having a great time I’m so saddened by this I have no words for the pain , when I lost my Sister Jenny, 10 years ago Karen was so there always ringing me just to check , just cause she had a feeling I needed to talk to her to let me know she was always there for me this is who Karen was , she was more then my cousin , more then my friend and I guess We take life for granted in a way and think we would always be there for each other , but we all have been blessed to have Karen as a part of our lives , I’m so blessed to be part of this family not everyone has what we have as cousins .. my heart goes out to Sarah , Melissa , Jackson and darling Flo , love you all so much Aunty Pat our family Matriarch , also to cousin Jenny , Michael , Graeme , Adrian , Jo and all their families I’m so so sorry I cannot be with you tomorrow but know I am in spirit xxx fly free forever with all our lost loved ones you Beautiful angel Karen and be at peace xx shall always be in my heart

  29. We are so sad with the news of Karen’s passing. Karen has been an integral part of our Rak family for over 35 years since we welcomed her into the fold as she entered Paul’s life. Adding to the number, with two beautiful girls Sarah and Melissa, and also Jackson and gorgeous Flo, who she treasured, we have some wonderful memories of family gatherings(especially Karen’s cooking), barbecues, birthdays, race meetings, picnics and golf events. Fun loving, great company and even Karen’s smiling at our bad, often repeated jokes, Karen was always a trooper. The wider Buckler family as well share this grief and Karen will be really sadly missed. We’d love to have the right words to provide comfort or ability to turn back time on this but we can only treasure the time we had with Karen. Rest in peace. Lots of love Bryan,Sue,Christopher,Joshua and Daniel XXOO

  30. It was with great sadness that we heard the news of Karen’s passing. Karen certainly fought the good fight over the last few years trying to beat this wicked illness that took both her and our brother Paul.
    Karen came into our Rak family around 35 years ago when she married Paul. For many years Karen was part of our family camaraderie at Christmas, Easter, Birthdays and Mother’s and Fathers’ Days. She became an integral part of the Rak family and the fun and frivolity of our gatherings is fondly remembered.

    Melinda and Ashleigh still recall the fun sleepovers they had with Sarah and Melissa during the school holidays where Karen provided the four girls with a welcoming home and interesting activities. We also warmly recall times at Yarrawonga during the holidays where the girls and Karen were able to relax and enjoy the surroundings together.
    Paul and Karen were dedicated and loving parents to their daughters Sarah and Melissa. We hope that both girls will take comfort from their many happy memories with their loving parents. May Karen rest in peace.

    David Rak, Sheena Rak, Melinda Rak, Ashleigh Rak

  31. Karen, nearly 40 years have passed since we first met. It was then that you won Paul’s heart and became a member of our family. Since that time, we as a family enjoyed a genuine closeness for many, many years. We all have fond memories of the special gatherings and connections that we shared together. Sadly, during the latter years, our close connection became damaged due to unfortunate relationship breakdowns followed by the very sad passing of Paul. Then within a month, we lost Dad.
    During the times I had spoken to you since Paul’s passing, you consistently spoke of your pragmatic determination to ensure that your daughters and grandchild received an abundance of love and care, enough to ensure the touch of their father was never too far away.
    You chose friendships carefully, and the majority were friendships for life. Your footsteps on this earth will remain in many hearts forever.

    Julie Gray

  32. Dearest Karen

    Our families were so close. Your dad and my dad were not only brothers but best friends. Growing up was spent getting fish and chips in Seafood next to the canal then straight around to ‘TEPA’ in Scott Street. So many memories of such happy times. Sharing with you and all the extended family Melbourne Cup day. Last catching up with you 10 years ago face to Facebook when we all shared lunch at Patterson Lakes. I looked back at my Facebook messages the other night at us sharing photos of our grandchildren and talking about each other’s health. We both were going through similar experiences only I was the lucky one. Bless you dear cousin. My love to my Aunty Pat, to my cousins Jenny, Graeme and Adrian and to your two beautiful girls Sarah and Mel and wee granddaughter Florence. You will always be in my thoughts, as all who have gone before me. Love always Gillian xxx

  33. So very sad to hear of your passing. Growing up with you in my school days was always fun. You were always loyal and always happy. You were a beautiful perfect maid of honour at my wedding. So sad we haven’t caught up for years. With busy families and working there was never enough hours in the day. I know you would have made a beautiful family. Hope your life was amazing and you spread happiness wherever you went. Love always. My condolences to your family. Love Bronwyn Mepstead

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