Karmen was born in Karlovac Yugoslavia on October 23, 1965 and immigrated to Canada wrapped in Baba’s arms in 1968 and called it home ever since. From a very young age, determination was the center of her compass. Everything is earned, nothing is given.

Determination shone through in athletics, where she graduated from childhood activities like tree climbing, bike riding, and basketball into adulthood routines including squash, kick boxing, and weightlifting (don’t forget maintaining her chin ups in spite of ongoing chemotherapy). In 2015, she even ran an entire tough-mudder with Tara at her side. It was always about pushing her own limits and then reveling in the strength that was constantly on display. A bad ass.

Determination shone through as she mastered the art of turning her creativity into acts of service. Karmen was a chef who poured passion, love and time into every iteration of a recipe, to perfect it for herself and her people. Oh, plus the table scape, the plating and the wine and conversation that accompanied it. Each meal was her love letter.

But some may be less familiar with her creative endeavours that weren’t edible. Karmen held a part-time vocation to literature. Whether it was her ability to have four books on the go at all times, or the fact she had created a personal recommendation list of more films than anyone had ever seen. She held a love of storytelling, particularly those that often went untold, were a little dark and twisted, or were chalk full of humour.

The same could be said for music.. her interest peaked in unique, multi-meaning lyrics – the likes of David Bowie, Prince, Japan, and.. Eminem. Even late in life, Karmen decided to take on new hobbies and learned to drum during the pandemic. Never a moment wasted.

Most importantly, her determination to be a damn matriarch.

Karmen was a loving daughter to Ljubica Drpa (and Zvonko Flajs). She inherited her love of history and reading from her Mama, and they exchanged stories every Sunday. Karmen always said her mama was her inspiration because she is the strongest woman she has ever known in her life and is the source to her fierce determination and strength.

Karmen was a loving sister to her twin, Ksenija (and half-sister Gordana). Karm and Ksen shared everything: walls of the womb, walls of their shared apartments, suitcases and sandwiches as they travelled the world.

Karmen remains Martin’s best friend and the life partner. They met in 1988 and dedicated every day to bettering one another. Their love grew through wild nights in the city, buying their first house together, and taking trips around the world. Then came Tara and they dedicated themselves to co-parenting.

Karmen is the best Mama. She wrapped Tara in love and logic at home, at school, and in the pool. Always in constant support of everything Tara took on, pushing her to be determined in every task, passing along her love for reading, music, movie watching, working out and great taste in food – they share many similarities. Karmen is Tara’s best friend, confidant, resilient bad ass mom she could always count on.

And finally, Karmen was a friend to all of you, and that meant you truly earned it because as you know, she did not give her time to idiots.

We know that Karmen is somewhere in Paris, dressed to the nines, repeating her mantra of “I have things to do”.


Information about the Service

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 12-2 p.m. at Turner & Porter "Yorke" Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

Following the viewing, the family welcomes you to come toast a glass (or two) to Karmen to celebrate her life at the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON) from 3-6 p.m.

As per Karmen’s wishes, she would like this to be a party of her life, and as the fashion icon she was, please wear your favourite outfit or something you feel stylish in.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes a donation to one of the causes below which Karmen passionately and generously supported.

Canadian Cancer Centre to honour her fight and grit against the disease.

SISTEMA to honour her love of sharing music, especially drumming.

St. Joseph’s Hospital to honour those who cared for her and eased in her passing.

Toronto Public Library to honour her love of story-telling and making books accessible to all.