In memory of
Karin Lara Valdmanis
March 21, 1986 - April 9, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Karin Lara Valdmanis, born March 21, 1986, announce that she passed away unexpectedly, soon after her 40th birthday, on April 9th, 2026.
Karin was a loving and caring individual who we will all miss dearly. Born in Toronto, Ontario, she was comfortable at home in her apartment overlooking High Park that she shared with her brother Mark and his partner Jenn.
Karin studied History at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and went on to complete a Masters in Library Sciences at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. She volunteered at The Children’s Book Bank in Toronto before becoming a valued librarian at the architectural firm IBI/Arcadis starting in 2012, although it could be said her favorite summer job was behind the counter of Hollywood Gelato on Bayview Avenue.
Growing up Karin played a lot of soccer in house league teams and with her brothers in the backyard. Karin was an avid reader who devoured books on her Kobo e-reader, especially related to ancient civilizations. She loved cooking and would immerse herself in the latest cooking shows and competitions gathering ideas to try out on the bbq and in the kitchen. Though once she, Mark, and Jenn adopted their cat Evie, Karin added nature shows to the mix and would curate episodes that Evie liked to watch with her. Karin was a beloved aunt to Jacqueline and Duncan and would accompany them and the rest of the family on annual outings to the Castle Playground in High Park. She brought joy to all who met her through her quiet humour, passion and love of sharing knowledge with others.
Karin is survived by her mother, Ilze Valdmanis (nee Lacis), father, Martin Valdmanis, and brothers Paul (Julie), Mark (Jenn) and Michael.
If desired, please consider a donation to a foundation supporting literature such as the Toronto Public Library or the Children’s Book Bank or your animal shelter of choice in Karin’s honour.
Karin was a loving and caring individual who we will all miss dearly. Born in Toronto, Ontario, she was comfortable at home in her apartment overlooking High Park that she shared with her brother Mark and his partner Jenn.
Karin studied History at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and went on to complete a Masters in Library Sciences at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. She volunteered at The Children’s Book Bank in Toronto before becoming a valued librarian at the architectural firm IBI/Arcadis starting in 2012, although it could be said her favorite summer job was behind the counter of Hollywood Gelato on Bayview Avenue.
Growing up Karin played a lot of soccer in house league teams and with her brothers in the backyard. Karin was an avid reader who devoured books on her Kobo e-reader, especially related to ancient civilizations. She loved cooking and would immerse herself in the latest cooking shows and competitions gathering ideas to try out on the bbq and in the kitchen. Though once she, Mark, and Jenn adopted their cat Evie, Karin added nature shows to the mix and would curate episodes that Evie liked to watch with her. Karin was a beloved aunt to Jacqueline and Duncan and would accompany them and the rest of the family on annual outings to the Castle Playground in High Park. She brought joy to all who met her through her quiet humour, passion and love of sharing knowledge with others.
Karin is survived by her mother, Ilze Valdmanis (nee Lacis), father, Martin Valdmanis, and brothers Paul (Julie), Mark (Jenn) and Michael.
If desired, please consider a donation to a foundation supporting literature such as the Toronto Public Library or the Children’s Book Bank or your animal shelter of choice in Karin’s honour.