Karen Ann Rahey R.N.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Rahey, beloved sister, aunt, great-aunt, dear friend and neighbour on Monday, August 4, 2025 at the Northside General Hospital.

Born in North Sydney in 1947, Karen was the daughter of the late Louis and Blanche (Evans) Rahey. Karen was part of the last Nursing class of St. Elizabeth Hospital and worked at Harbourview Hospital in Sydney Mines before moving to Victoria, B.C., where she continued her career at Royal Jubilee Hospital.

Karen had an adventurous and fun-loving spirit, often telling us that she learned more about life on her travels around the world than she ever did in school. She cherished her time in BC with her many friends, coworkers and their families, and had endless funny stories of their yearly camping and hiking excursions. Karen loved to be active, whether it was tennis, squash, swimming, kayaking or her daily walks with her brother, Louis. However, anyone who met Karen quickly learned that her two favourite hobbies were shopping and cooking! She hosted many a dinner party and was always willing to share recipes with anyone interested. She particularly enjoyed teaching us how to make her delicious Lebanese dishes, passed down to her from her father.

Karen deeply loved her family and is survived by her dear brother Louis, North Sydney, her nephews Robert O’Toole, Victoria, BC, and Chris Rahey, Edmonton, AB, and her niece, Charlene (Andrew) Pedersen, Millville, NS. She is also survived by her great nephews, Dane and Joseph and his mother, Lorrie, and great niece Kathryn. Karen leaves behind her shopping buddy, cousin Isabel, as well as her cousin May, who was not only her friend but her personal nurse while she was ill, along with many cousins and cherished friends, too numerous to mention.

Besides her parents, Karen is predeceased by her brother, David Rahey, sister Lois Morrison, sister-in-law Elaine Rahey and brother-in-law Jim Morrison.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alexander Wawer along with the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Clinic. We must also give special mention to the kind and caring staff of 4 West and 5 East of Northside General Hospital - you brightened her last days and we are ever so grateful.

As per Karen’s wishes, a private family service will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The service will be live-streamed at 2pm ADT on the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Facebook page.  Following the private service there will be a Celebration of Life for Karen that all are welcome to attend at 3pm, August 7, 2025 at Hotel North in North Sydney. Condolences can be left for the family by writing on the tribute wall of the obituary page. 

Finally, “Auntie Karen” was a humble, generous and faithful person who gained true happiness by giving to others, never wanting anything in return. To honour her, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice or do something special for someone less fortunate than you.

"To live in the hearts of those we love isn't to die."

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