NIELSEN
(nee Newsome)
Karla Katherine
February 14, 1973 - June 15, 2024
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Karla Katherine Nielsen (nee Newsome) on June 15th, 2024, in Drumheller, AB. Karla passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, bringing an end to her long fought battle with cervical cancer.
Born Valentine’s Day of 1973 in Calgary, Alberta to parents Darrell and Flora Newsome, Karla was born to love the world and everyone in it. Karla was a proud farm kid, growing up on a grain and cattle farm near Cremona, Alta with her siblings Shannon, John and Rachel. Karla attended the University of Lethbridge, getting a dual degree in English and Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Steven Nielsen, who she married on a memorably cold December 28th, 1996.
Karla spent most of her early 20’s travelling around the world and teaching English with her husband in South Korea and Abu Dhabi, UAE. After giving birth to their first born Alia Katherine in 2001, Karla and Steve returned back to Canada, settling on an acreage between Delia and Morrin, where they would remain for the next 23 years. It was in Drumheller that Karla would give birth to her two other daughters Sonya Marie and Stefanie Jayne in 2002 and 2004. Karla taught at Morrin School for over a decade and was beloved by her students and colleagues alike.
Karla was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Spring of 2022. She proved without doubt that it is possible to be a lover and a fighter, as she fought ferociously, wielding the power of her love. Through treatments, procedures, complications and surgeries, she was steadfast in her strength and determination, touching the hearts of countless people in her community and in every hospital and treatment room she entered. Her fighting spirit was fueled by the endless support and compassion of countless doctors, nurses and community members who we will be forever grateful to.
A service will be held for Karla on Sunday, June 23rd at the Morrin School at 2 p.m. The service will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. If desired, donations can be made to the Drumheller Community Cancer Centre. To know Karla was to love her, and to be loved by her. She will be missed dearly.
