The Rev. Dr. Karen Sue Bach (neé Kennedy)

Apr 19, 2023

Died at home on April 13, 2023, at 77, after a prolonged battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Steve of 56 years, her daughter Cassandra and granddaughter Sandy, and her son Michael and son-in-law Mike Neff, in addition to two living brothers and an endless array of extended family. Karen worked in the family business with Steve until completing her BA in English and Master of Divinity at the University of Toronto. She also received a Master of Psychology and an honorary Doctorate. Karen spent 10 years as the campus chaplain at UofT, representing both the Presbyterian and United Churches. She went on to lead Evergreen Centre for Street Youth for another 10 years before ending her career in leadership at Yonge Street Mission. She engaged with various organizations during her life, including chairing the Ontario Multifaith Council on Spiritual and Religious Care. Karen and Steve relocated from Toronto to Perth Road Village (north of Kingston), where they became entrenched in the community. Karen continued to work with the various Presbyterian and United churches in the area and occasionally preached at her home church of Perth Road United. At home, in the spring, summer, and fall, she and Steve tended their garden, and in the winter, they tapped maple trees to make maple syrup. She was intelligent, funny, opinionated, bossy, gracious, generous, kind, and the most beautiful creature to walk the earth. She will be missed by many in ways that can never be explained. A service and celebration of life will occur at Perth Road United Church on April 29, 2023, which will also be streamed on Zoom. Please don’t send flowers – donate to Perth Road United instead. For more information about donating or attending the service, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.