Karen MCMILLAN Obituary

I am ashamed and proud, at the same time. I have planted many trees in honour of my beautiful mother. To remember is to be touched by memory

Warmest thoughts for the family, the earth will smile on with Karen's flowers

To all the family, you are in my thoughts so much at this time. Karen was such a proud mum and grandmother. I especially remember the way she so warmly welcomed me into the family (along with paua fritters). And I keep thinking of the joy on her face in those wonderful photos from Venice. Take care, all of you, With love, Alison and family

Our heartfelt sympathy to you all at this very sad time. Cherish all those beautiful memories.
Love Richard & Pam Seymour and family
Chatham Islands

Aunty, today was truly a celebration of your life. You will be so proud of Tania, Kim and their families. They honoured you with dignity and with love. Rest now Aunty... Blue Bayou

Aunty, today was truly a celebration of your life. You will be so proud of Tania, Kim and their families. They honoured you with dignity and with love. Rest now Aunty... Blue Bayou

You lived a life that ensures you will be sadly missed by many of us Karen. Godspeed
Thinking of you all, Karen's family, and hoping you will be celebrating all the great things that represent her life. XX John, Judy and whanau

our sincere sympathy to you and your family for the sad loss of your beloved sister, have got fond memories when you and your family spent the holidays with us from len,gloria and family

So sad to hear that Karen had passed away- through Karens emails we thought she had won the battle - thats how great an actress she was, she never let on to us. I will treasure the hours spent churning over drama plans, the dying swans and the poi-son drinking at Moera Tin Camp even more. Karen was so many things, honest, blunt, kind, thoughtful, stubborn, bossy, loving, fun,and most of all a good friend to so many. She will be missed. Love to you Karen, and your whanau who will miss you the most. -Dave and Vanessa Lumley and whanau.

Aroha to all the whanau. Have awesome memories of Karen, not only as a work colleague but of the passion she had for her gardening, netball but most of all her family. Blessings to you all, fly free Karen on your journey xoxoxo

From your son Ian, Janet, your grand- children Liam, Caitlin & Euan:
Thank you for your vibrance and positive attitude, for making sure we were part of the whole family and connected with everyone! You kept us up-to-date with photos, emails, the family calendar - now so precious. Through you we learned the beauty & intricacies of the Chathams & of family. We cherish both! We are glad Liam, Caitlin & Euan knew you. You are one of the strongest people in our lives; you faced every challenge along the way, taking the hard road, earning respect & love from all. Arohanui, Cooper Clan

You will be missed. So sorry to hear and far too soon. Thinking of your family and all that the have lost. You were one of a kind Karen and you will leave a huge gap... Love Cairy and Adrian

Our condolences to the family on your loss. Thinking of you all.
I'll always remember the beautiful garden Karen had at the Chathams.

Arohanui, Menetta Ray and family

Thinking of you all at your very sad loss, Karen was an awesome caring lady. Karen and I were roommates at the 1987 World Netball Champs in Scotland, we had so much fun on that month away, I still have many cherished memories of that trip, and then discovering Karen and I were second cousins - unbelievable - RIP my friend Love...Barb

So sad, am sending love

Our Aroha to the Whanau, thinking of you all at this very sad time xxx
Lanauze-Phillips Whanau
Chatham Islands

Karen was a friend, my other mother and Lily's Grandmother. A truly special lady with a gift for conversation, all things colourful and a deep love of travel and family.
Karen I am told there is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass I am sure there are lovely gardens too which will flourish with you there to tend to them. Lily and I will look for you in the rainbows, which are colourful, bright and beautiful just like you. All our love Kathleen, Brianna, Grace and Lily xxx

Karen was a friend, my other mother and Lily's Grandmother. A truly special lady with a gift for conversation, all things colourful and a deep love of travel and family.

Karen I am told there is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass I am sure there are lovely gardens too which will flourish with you there to tend to them. Lily and I will look for you in the rainbows, which are colourful, bright and beautiful just like you. All our love Kathleen, Brianna, Grace and Lily xxx

My heart goes out to you all and only wish I could be there with you walking this painful journey. Your mum was truely an amazing lady and I will miss her dearly... Take care family xx

Our condolences to the Whanau at this sad time our thoughts are with you all. Arohanui Tuuta-Thompson Whanau

Karen was not just a cousin but a friend who had compassion for others and strength of character others would aspire to. Our families had off and on contact over the years, which while interrupted was special to us all. Comfort sent to all the family who we know she loved unreservedly. Sadly missed but always remembered.

Karen was a very special lady, who put lots of love and joy into many people's lives.

Sorry to hear of your lose. Thinking of you all Clare, Alan and family

Karen, you were such a creative, happy soul who made everyone feel welcome and at ease. We had only been in contact for a few short years but an instant connection made it feel like I had always been around you :-).

The love for your family was obvious and you held them very close to your heart.

You will be sadly missed but always fondly remembered. I hope you are now able to rest in peace (and enjoy filling those on the other side in on how much the family tree has grown). xoxoxo

Sincerest condolences to Jim, Janine and families.

Thinking of you Tania, Glenn, Kim Shontel, Lazlo and whanau at this very sad time in your lives. Your mum was such a beautiful caring person, she is free from pain now and will be with all her heavenly family and friends. We know you will have wonderful memories forever to get you all through this tough time . Kia kaha
Lots of hugs
All our love Theresa, Steve Marcia, Sheree and family xxx

Our condolences to the family on this sad loss of a beautiful caring women.
God has her in his keepings
We have her in out hearts.
Arohanui xxx Jenny,Falcon & kids xxxx

To Tania, Glen, Kim & family
Please except our condolences on the passing of your mum. Our thoughts are with you at this this time. Your friends Nick & Sharon.

Karen was a loving and kind lady who had a wonderful and positive impact on us Chatham Island kids growing up. She had a huge presence in our lives through Netball and the general community. Most of us kids were good friends with Glen, Tania and Kim through primary school, high school and as young adults. Karen was always good to us and we all carry wonderful memories of those times.
Thank-you Karen
Celestine Lanauze on behalf of us Chatham Islands kids (20-30 years ago)

Sad to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother. Val and I have special memories of our friendship and working relationship. I will miss the catch ups when we would meet and the passion we shared about gardening. Love to you all whanau.
Lois and Val

I was very sad to hear the news of Karen's passing, my Mum especially who spent a lot of time with Karen, our families thoughts go to her Whanau, Croon Whanau

Tania, Glenn and Kim, Shonny and Laz and all the rest of your whanau
It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter. And although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of these little things that will slowly help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again. Am privileged to say I knew Karen, what a caring and encouraging soul! In Sympathy and Friendship Wishing we could be by your side at this time, love Erin (Ernie) xxx

I remember Janine and I listening to Karens 45's in the 60's knowing full well she woud not have been too happy if she found out. Peace is with you Karen, say hello to Uncle Morry and Aunty Peg and Derek. Love Jill Dawson

A big part of our childhood - part of our family. Camping, Matamata and more. The years do not dull the special memories and happy times we shared. You will always be part of our life, even though we can no longer physically connect with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and celebrate Karen's life on Wednesday the way she would have wanted.
Love,
Vivienne, Kevin and Aunty Joy

R.I.P Karen. The hard battle is over. Now you can fly free. Deepest sympathy to all the family. Kia kaha!
Love Elva and family

My husband and I were fortunate to meet Karen (my half Cousin) for the first time April 2012. Karen was a delightful lady and with her husband Jim and made us feel most welcome. RIP Karen. Deepest sympathies Jim and family.

The world has lost a a special lady with so much Chatham knowledge, love and poetry in her soul. God has gained an amazing gardener and orgainser. I have lost a special dear friend yet I have gained wonderful memories of dance, theatre, laughter, fun and passion for life.
Love you Karen, we will miss you.
Ken and Maria

Vibrant, fun, energetic, brave, cheerful & chatty!
Precious sister, sister-in-law, Auntie.
Loved Always, Janine, David & Kylie xoxoxo

Rest Easy Aunty Karen, the time I spent with you last month is something I will Treasure all my Days, so much catching up of many many years taken from us.. From my decendants both now and future I thank you very very much for all your long hours and dedication of the beautiful work you had done with the family tree....My memory of you standing waiting with your arms open wide on Papanui Rd last month, are priceless as was your attitude towards the burden you were going through, your laugh took me straight back to my childhood...Massive Hugs to Uncle Jimmy who walked this Battle with Aunty over the past few years..To my Cousins Tania Glenn & Kim, my love to you all ...& to the grandchildren of which she spoke of with such pride and love....my thoughts and heart to you all.
Love Always Pania & Family