Karen Aman

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Karen Marie Aman (nee Mattice) of Swift Current, SK on the 15th of February 2022, at the age of 56 years. Karen will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 24 years, Ralph Aman; her children, Ashley (Derek) Barnsley and Michael Aman; her bonus children, Lindsay (Logan) Aman and Erika Aman; her grandchildren, Hayden, Raegan, Maeva, and Auraelia; her brothers, Ken (Kathy) Mattice and Darrel Mattice; her sisters-in-law, Barb, Lois, Jo-Anne (Jim), and Marg (Doug); and by numerous other relatives, friends, and colleagues. Karen will be dearly missed by the many individuals and groups that she donated much of her time and blessings to. Karen was predeceased by her daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Wiebe; her parents, Loyd & Justina Mattice; her parents-in-law, Albert & Josephine Aman; and by her sister-in-law, Donna Aman.

Mom was born October 10, 1965 – the youngest of three and only daughter to Justina (nee Froese) and Loyd Mattice. From nearly the moment she arrived home, she exuded grace and kindness in everything, navigating many struggles with these enduring qualities. Out of financial necessity, her childhood allowed for appreciation of the less elegant things in life, rooting her love of the everyday moments. As a young child, the wonder of seeing the cracks in the sidewalk after receiving her first pair of glasses or opening the window to hear the birds sing when she had tubes placed in her ears, were some of the precious memories often recalled. Mom was a beautiful soul and becoming a connection of hers was lifelong. She loved fiercely, laughed often, and forgave quickly – unless you were a spider. She may have just smashed you with a snow shovel.

Her maturity intensified at the age of thirteen with the loss of her mother, and eleven years later when she lost her father. This left her to navigate many formidable years without those fundamental constants. For many, this could culminate in bitterness and the excuse to blame challenges on these influential moments in life, but not Mom. Rather, she saw a choice even at that age – an opportunity to bless others she saw who were downtrodden or struggling, lifting them up in any way she could.

The birth of her second beautiful daughter, Becky, gave her more opportunity for selfish reflection with the adjustments necessary to take care of a disabled child. But once again, she allowed humbleness to dominate the unknown and put her faith in her Lord and Saviour. Allowing God to use these experiences to grow her ministerial nature eventually led her to achieving her bachelor’s degree in social work in 2013, one of her proudest accomplishments.

While much of Mom’s compassionate giving was behind the scenes, completely unseen to most, the magnitude of the impact she made, was not. Whether it was a mission trip to Haiti, sharing scriptures she felt drawn to, filling trays with her home cooking for others, or emptying her freezer of food for families she knew needed it more, she found unadulterated joy in the moments where she could bless others. She enjoyed living simply, elaborate worldly items were not her style – a concept which she observed in her home, outfits, serving dishes, and very intentional ‘one button’ coffee pot.

Spending quality time with those she loved lit up her smile quicker than anything – snuggling with her grandchildren during a puzzle, waiting for her own children on the coldest snow days with hot chocolate and a blanket in front of the best furnace vent in the house, and ‘coupon scavenger hunts’ when money was tight, were some of the most joyful moments together.

January 10, 1998 she walked down the aisle (in the dress she let her daughter pick) and married her best friend and companion, Ralph. Together, they blended and grew their family, building a life of love, faith, and generosity. A perfect match. Above all, Mom was passionate about the Lord and found much peace in reading her bible and living her faith to the fullest.

The Celebration of Life for Karen Aman was held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 10:30 am from East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Kevin Snyder officiating. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Pastor Dave Smith. Special music was brought by Michael Aman, who sang “It is Well.” Tributes were given by Bruce McArthur (on behalf of the church family), Nicole Kuyek and Marla Foster (Karen’s coworkers), and Michael Aman (on behalf of the family). A photo presentation was given by the family. The ushers in the church were Sara Wallace and Perry Gryde. The service was recorded and can be viewed here

In memory of Karen Aman, donations made to Southwest Homes or the Haiti Friendship Centre would be appreciated by the family. 

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