Karen Jane (McMenemy) McMenemy

Karen McMenemy was the oldest of three children born to Scottish immigrant parents. The first generation Canadian spent much of her early life in Scarborough, just outside of Toronto.

Two truths you should know about Karen are that she loved people and working. But in the early 70s opportunities for her were more limited. She was a waitress at Stompin’ Toms bar, and then a bank teller. In her mid-twenties Karen broke into the business world for Software International. She was driven, from these experiences, to start her own Computer Consulting company.

Her next life-changing moment would happen in the least likely place, affecting both her personal and professional life.

During a visit with a psychic, she was told that she would meet her husband soon (her second marriage) and on a business trip to the Yukon, in an airport at sub-zero temperatures she did. That eventual marriage would lead to many happy years, the birth of her son, and the name of her company, Kalon group inc. A company she would build into a million-dollar business with over 30 employees in the US and Canada, and clients across the globe. At her peak she was travelling 200 days a year, closing multi-million-dollar deals while being a pain in the ass for her competitors.

Eventually she moved to Florida, and Kalon would end (as did her marriage.)

It was in South Florida she would find a second home, a new community, and new friends. She rebuilt her life on her terms, with her son close by.

Workwise, she had great successes, working primarily in IT.  Working for many companies over the years and even with her son for a few. In the last 5 years she became a remote worker, a role that didn’t seem to match her ‘being in the middle of everything’ attitude. But it really worked for her.  She continued in IT mostly as a project manager, a job that she loved, but also in her own way, filling whatever role got the job done.  Also, she firmly believed in turning on your cameras.

She loved her last job. The people, the work, and the atmosphere, it was a welcome turn because the contract before she had been bored silly. Sitting around most days waiting for work, a nightmare for someone like Karen McMenemy.  Her getting one last great job was a blessing.

Karen’s final project was her home.  A beautiful apartment a few steps from the pool she had recently finished remodeling, that she absolutely adored and lived with her cats.  The last few years she was able to fill it with visits from Kit, Bonnie and Jean, friends from as far back as 50 years. It was a place she and her cats loved.

She lived a good life, on her terms. She loved people, had a vibrant spirit, and believed in empowering others.

She is survived by a beloved son who will miss her dearly, her cats, friends, and a wide swath of people whose lives she touched across the US and Canada.

She was a remarkable woman, friend, and mother we will all miss.

Family will receive friends Saturday, August 12, 2023 2-3pm with a 3pm remembrance service at the funeral home.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE 

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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