Karen Canfield
Karen Canfield
Karen Thorstenson Canfield, 81, peacefully passed away on Jan. 22, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The daughter of the late John and Alice Thorstenson, Karen was born in Jamestown, NY on Nov. 5, 1943. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1961 then proceeded to work at First National Bank for several years as a teller in several branches around the region. After taking time off to raise children, Karen returned to work and eventually retired from Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company.
Karen enjoyed swimming at the Boys and Girls Club, bowling, reading and playing bocci. Karen was also an avid flower gardener. Friends and family would be in awe when they visited to see the beautiful and abundant flower beds and bird feeders which surrounded her home. While a Lutheran most of her life, Karen enjoyed attending New Hope Community Church in her later years with her longest and dearest friends Jean and Gerry Kemp.
Karen is survived by two children, Douglas Sandberg of Frewsburg, NY, and Jeffrey (Brenda) Sandberg of Union City, PA. She was most proud of her only grandchild, Holly Sandberg (fiance Ivan Stapchuck) who recently moved to Northlake, Texas upon graduation as a Physician’s Assistant from Gannon University. Karen is also survived by her loving sister Yvonne McNallie as well as two nephews, one niece, and many great-nieces, and great-nephews.
The family would like to extend appreciation to her former husband, Versil Canfield, who cared for Karen in sickness and in health and continued to care for her beloved cat, Max.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday Feb. 3, 2025, in the Lind Funeral Home. Friends will be received from 10 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Anyone who knew Karen knew of her love of animals. To honor Karen’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Chautauqua Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.
You may leave words of condolence to Karen’s family at www.lindfuneralhome.com.