It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Karen Virag.
Karen passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at Edmonton General Hospital following an illness.
A long-time member of EAC’s Prairie Provinces branch, Karen was the association’s director of publications. She co-chaired EAC’s successful 2008 national conference in Edmonton and the production of Stylistic Editing: Meeting Professional Editorial Standards (2011). She also represented EAC for several years on the board of Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC). She was supervising editor at the Alberta Teachers’ Association, and a freelance editor and writer. Her writing appeared in the Edmonton Journal and The Tomato, a culinary magazine. She volunteered for a community initiative called Arts on the Ave and, along with Virginia Durksen, was also well known as one of the Grammar Gals, appearing regularly on Alberta at Noon, a call-in program on CBC Radio One.
“Karen was a bright light in the association,” said president Jacqueline Dinsmore. “She will be sorely missed by her colleagues and friends on the national executive council.”
Hundreds of people attended her memorial service at St Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton. Karen is survived by her mother and her brother, Steve. She also leaves her cat, Stanley (since adopted by a friend in Calgary), and friends, extended family and colleagues who loved and respected her.
Issued on behalf of the EAC national executive council by the national office.