KARIN ERHARDT

Musician, cellist, pianist, teacher, dog lover, lifelong (almost) ethical vegetarian, chocolate afficionado.

Karin was born two weeks later than expected (perhaps a sign of her lifelong shyness) on June 7, 1958 in Winnipeg. She departed about 20 years earlier than she expected on September 27, 2024, due to a 4-year misadventure with ovarian cancer.

Karin’s career began with a stint as principal cellist of the Windsor Symphony in Ontario. Coming back to roost in Winnipeg, she led a busy and varied life as a freelance cellist performing frequently with the WSO, MTC and Warehouse Theatre, Rainbow Stage, MTYP, MCO, Canzona, and most fondly, 20 years with Musik Barock, under the direction of Erik Lussier. She also probably played for several of your friends’ and relatives’ weddings.

As a teacher of private lessons and as a piano accompanist, Karin greatly enjoyed her yearly mixed bag of students, aged 6 to 80. Karin spent 9 years teaching in the WSO sponsored Sistema program, which offered free music instruction to young students in underserved communities. There she learned far more from her budding musicians than she could impart to them.

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To my family, thanks for keeping me afloat during my misadventure and more so for putting up with me in my even crankier times. Those teen years lasted well into my 20s!! You are my lifeboat.

To my great pals, musicians and otherwise, heartfelt thanks for the wonderful string quartet/ smorgasbord sessions (when my fingers were numb from chemo), the flowers, dog walking, books, snow shovelling, home cooked meals, incredible hugs and wonderful companionship.

Much gratitude to Dr. Sarah Kean and the team at CancerCare St. Boniface. Each and every one from reception, to all the doctors, NPs, nurses and aides, made this misadventure more tolerable and even interesting (you might as well learn something if you have to experience it).

Finally, thanks to the caring MAiD team for helping to make my exit more graceful than it might otherwise have been.

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Karin has joined her beloved dog Sami. In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held. If anyone feels inclined to make a donation to a local animal rescue/ shelter or CancerCare Manitoba, Karin will try to send an ethereal hug of thanks.

Karin’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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