Karen Margaret Gore Smith

Peacefully at East Lancashire Hospice on 29th October 2023 with her husband at her side, Karen aged 55 years of Langho. The devoted and much loved wife of Gareth, adored and loving mum of Jack, loved mother-in-law of Serena, doting sister to Catherine and her husband Stuart, and the late Billy and his wife Maureen, and treasured daughter-in-law to Joan. She was also a much loved relative and friend to so many.

The most selfless, caring and kind lady to all that she knew, Karen saw the best in everyone and always lived life full of positivity and knew each day was a blessing that should be filled with fun and laughter. She adored love hearts and she spread love and kindness wherever she went. She was the most proud mum to Jack and would do anything for him and was always on hand to help in any situation – he was well and truly spoiled with her love and kindness. Karen found her soulmate when she met the love of her life Gareth, together they shared the most incredible relationship and sealed their love for each other with an amazing wedding in Australia. She adored the sunshine and always looked forward to family holidays – enjoying trips to York, Tenerife, Lisbon and the Maldives to name a few.

Karen worked for Lancashire Constabulary for over 36 years in many roles across the police. She loved her work and was loved and respected by all her fellow colleagues and she was over the moon when she took up her position at Clitheroe Police Station.

Karen will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate to know her and fondly remembered for her infectious smile, beautiful outlook on life and her caring, generous nature. Truly an angel on Earth and now in heaven.

Family flowers only please, donations are being gratefully received in Karen’s memory on behalf of East Lancashire Hospice & The Christie. To make a donation please click the ‘Make A Donation’ button at the bottom of this page.

Please feel free to leave a message for Karen’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

Karen Johnson

My love and thoughts are with the Karen’s family and I still remember when we both looked at joining the special police force but Karen was too short, we used to laugh and talk about how she could make herself taller!  I would definitely have been at her funeral if I still lived in Lancs but I will always remember her with fondness and love. You will be missed by everyone that knew her xxxx

Denise Doogan

As everyone has said, Karen was a light that shone  brightly and her sparkles  touched us all and we were blessed  to be part of her life. She made my life better, I loved to spend time with her. Always a glass half full girl. We all had amazing times together and I will treasure the memories and photographs that we have of those crazy times. A long and beautiful friendship going back to ’89.  Our thoughts are with Gareth, Jack and Serena at this sad time. Denise and Derek

Harinder Dhaliwal

Gareth, a really sad loss of your soul mate, may God rest Karen’s soul in peace and give you and your family strength at this difficult time.

Lesley Bunting

Karen was warm and generous of spirit. I send love to you all at this challenging time.

Mahesh Shah

Gareth – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Brian & Eileen Gore

Saddened to hear of your loss the world as lost a beautiful wife & mother. Y will always be in our hearts

Mel Waddington & Andrea Bradbury

We are both so sorry to hear of your sad loss. Karen was such a beautiful person inside and out…always smiling, happy and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She always made me (Mel)giggle with the littvle mirrors on her desk, so she always knew who was passing the office door… Karen didn’t like to miss a trick! As for drinks on a Friday after work at Northgate, Karen was the life and soul of the party, always making sure everyone was having a good time. Karen made work feel like being part of a family and she was definitely the one looking out for us all. As we moved departments and moved areas we haven’t seen each other for sometime, but we will always remember you fondly, it was an absolute honour and pleasure knowing and working with you Karen, you are and will always be missed xx.

Lindsey

So sorry to hear the sad passing of Karen, she was such an amazing, caring and beautiful girl inside and out. I was privileged to know and work with her. I’ll never forget her kindness and friendship she showed. Fly high gorgeous girl, never forgotten, Lx

Lisa Kinsella

Rest in peace beautiful soul . The world was obviously a better place with you in it . Fly high lovely angel x God Bless x

Irene Lavin

Karen was such a beautiful person inside and out. I can’t believe how someone with such an amazing heart and with so much love and goodness in her has been taken so young. I will never forget you Karen, truly an angel on earth. She made everyone feel special. Rip my lovely friend. 💔

Alison Pickles

Sending all my love to Jack and Gareth.  Karen was a truly brave and beautiful soul.  She fought so hard but is now at peace.  My best friend you will stay in my heart forever  ♥️ xxx

Karen Ann Boothman

Beautiful Karen- a very kind and caring and genuine lady that always wore that huge smile. Karen was a positive lady with a great sense of humour and always lit up the room with her presence. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. R.I.P. 💕

Barbara

I will always remember Karen as she was such a beautiful kind soul and totally inspirational. Fly high beautiful Karen you will have your butterfly wings. My thoughts are with Gareth, Jack, Serena and Kathryn. Wider family and friends ♥️

Barbara

I feel extremely blessed that I had the honour to be involved in Karen’s care.

Joanne Gaffney-Brown

Firstly my thoughts and love go out to Gareth and Jack and the wider family at this heartbreaking time. Karen was one of the first people I met at work 35 years ago, she took me under her wing and told me we were off to a wedding at the weekend in her red nova, that was the start of a long friendship. I will be eternally grateful for meeting her and the crazy things we did and the memories we made along the way. She made the world a shiny happy place and it will not be the same without her.  I will miss you forever my beautiful, funny, crazy, caring lovely friend.

Karen Boothman

My thoughts and prayers go to Jack and Gareth and Family at this very sad time.What great times we have had over the years. Especially sharing Christmas Eve at The bowling alley or the Indian restaurant or playing silly games in your beautiful home. Walking home a little tipsy to my home just around the corner from you. R. I. P. Karen and please keep smiling and making those in your next life love you as much as we all did. 💕

Barbara and Mike (the Zentist)

What a wonderful caring and Beautiful soul she was.  Our sincere condolences to you Gareth and your wonderful family. thinking of you all at this very difficult time and sending our deepest love and prayers xx

Chris and Gary Blackshaw

I miss you so much my beautiful friend. You had the kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. You also had a wicked sense of humour and we had some cracking parties. You are gone from our sight but never our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gareth, Jack and the family. Rest in peace my dear friend

Kathryn Wood

Karen met my sister on holiday many years ago and visited our home in Cumbria. Her smile would light up a room. My thoughts and prayers with Gareth, Jack and all her family. I hope you’ve been reunited with your Mam and Dad Karen. RIP lovely lady XX 🕊️

Natalie smith

Karen was such a lovely lady, always positive, happy with an infectious smile & personality. She will be sadly missed. Thought are with you all at this extremely difficult time x

Johann Jarrold

I’m in shock, my thoughts go out to you all, Gareth, Jack, memories will last, she loved you both so much. ❤️

Suzanne Marchese

I worked with Karen a lot in relation to licensing applications. She was a joy to deal with and I also worked in the same room as her many years ago at Northgate. Sending condolences

Nik Litwinenko-Jones

I can’t imagine what you guys are going through as I’ve just heard the news and it’s knocked me for six. What a beautiful loving caring soul Karen was, she lit up the room with her contagious energy. She was one of my first ever clients and what an honour and privilege it was to train her. She’s an eternal angel now and will be with you all forever. Fly high Karen, rest easy, and keep smiling up there. Love and healing wishes to you all x

Angela Jackson (Angie)

I knew Karen through working at Blackburn Nic…she was always full of fun, and with the deepest heart and infectious laugh.  It doesn’t seem too long ago we were chatting via fbk..always a beauty.  In thought and word and Deed.  I will remember her fondly n send my love to her Jack and Gareth.

Gary Hennighan

I have missed Karen every day in the office. The most beautiful, selfless soul I have ever known who loved working for Lancashire Constabulary. Always put others before herself, was well loved by colleagues, partners and anybody who met her. The world is a sadder place without Karen. My thoughts and love go out to Gareth, Jack and the wider family xxx

Stacey

Working with Karen made every day so joyful. I’ve never met anyone like her, always smiling and that smile could light up the darkest places, with such an infectious laugh, she was funny, caring and kind. Sleep peacefully beautiful lady, I’m going to miss my 1st December Christmas card every year ❤️ xxx

Diane & John Clarke

I will miss you my friend, we shared a journey, happy, sad, but always laughter. You were inspirational and positive throughout and shared such warmth, love and friendship. You said you would emerge as a butterfly, so fly free my friend.  You will always have a special place in my heart.

Jackie & Guy Blackwell

Sincere condolences -thinking of you all at this sad time.

Victoria Gallagher

The most beautiful lady I have ever met, so kind ans although had issues of her own always had an ear to listen to yours. I only knew Karen for 2yrs but from the first day I met her she Bec Ashe a friend. She will be very sadly missed by all who new her and I wish Gareth ana Jack all the comfort in the world but she will be watching over you all with that beautiful smile xx

Nicky Connell

My memories will never fade, her bubbly personality and love for life will always stay with me. My thoughts are with all the family at this time and always. RIP angel with the biggest  heart. Lots off love Nicky, Hannah and Ella xxx

Elliott & Alice

Karen, you fought like an absolute trooper until the very end. God bless and keep you in His care. Love Elliott & Alice x

Olivia Kinsella

So sorry for your loss, all of our thoughts and prayers are with you, rest in peace Karen❤️

Sikander Randera

Karen my best friend you were an angel in disguise I’m so many ways and I am so very blessed to have had in my life , you have left a huge void in my life ,miss you for the rest of my life , you were full of life and fun and extremely caring to one and all, missing you so much my dearest friend ,rest in peace and harmony with your parents , lots of love forever xxx

Scarlett Kinsella

Thinking of you all at the very sad time Karen was beautiful inside and out rest in peace angel ♥

Lisa Scorah

Karen lit up the room when she entered it, her smile was beaming & her love for others was incredible. Karen would do anything for anyone & on many occasions she instantly made me feel better if I was down. She bought me an advent calendar & an Easter bunny each year. Karen took pride in making people feel special not to mention her cleaning antics. I will never ever forget you Karen & the love you spread. Heaven has gained an absolute diamond 💎 lots of love Lisa & Jonny S ❤

Michelle Gilbank-Simmonds

I’m so sorry for your loss Gareth. I had the absolute pleasure of knowing  Karen, and she was a beautiful person inside and out.

William Jones

I met Karen 35+ years ago and became very good friends and every year one birthdays and Christmas cards were exchanged, her smile and beautiful heart. She was a beautiful human being inside and out,  I loved her dearly….  I’m going to miss her so very much. Her love for Jack was everything in this world. Fly high my friend. Missing you always. William,  🕊❤️🕊❤️🕊❤️🕊

Louise Kenyon

I’m so sadden to hear such sad news . Karen was always full of bubbles with a beautiful smile and that’s how I will always remember her . You are all in my prayers for strength X

Nichola and Aunty Beryl

Darling Karen, beautiful soul. The world is a sadder place and the stars shine less bright without you here. Sending all our love and strength to Gareth, Jack, and family during this heartbreaking time.

Natalie Sarabia-Johnston

Sending prayers and sympathy to you all at this very sad time. Sorry for your loss of such a beautiful person, may Karen rest in peace and watch over you. Xx

Judy Gore

Sending lots of love as you a remember Karen, a beautiful kind soul who always loved deeply.

Ann Dobson

Amazing beautiful lady will be in our thoughts forever xx

Susie Edwards

I never saw someone so happy gardening until I moved in next door to Karen almost 17 yrs ago. She was always so happy and smiling, Gareth worked so hard to make a beautiful paradise for her in the garden over the last couple of years, I am sure it brought her some comfort and peace

Catherine Meyer

My dearest Aunty Karen, there are no words to express how much we love you and how much we will miss you. You fought a long hard battle, yet you remained positive throughout and made sure that everyone else was ok. You were a selfless person who always saw the best in everyone, no matter what! You are what everyone should strive to be and I will forever cherish our times together and all the memories we have made. Gone far too early, but fly high Aunty Karen, you are now pain free. I will keep my eye on all the butterflies that come and visit. Give my Dad a big hug and kiss from us all and Grandad and Grandma too. We love you xxx Catherine, Jaco, Kerry-Anne and Keegan xoxoxoxo

Paula

You are in my heart and thoughts today 💗

Natalie Sarabia-Johnston

Sorry for the loss of beautiful Karen, sending our condolences and prayers to you all at this sad time. May Karen rest in peace amongst the angles. Xx

Kerry-Anne Meyer

This is not a goodbye, it is a thank you. A thank you for being in my life and teaching me undying kindness and love. Thank you for all the memories / will never forget and the smell of your perfume that will forever linger: Thank you for the feelings / will forever cherish and the joy and love I will always feel ХХ Fly high Aunty Karen I hope you and grandad had a wonderful reunion 🤍👼