“Our family has endured a lot, but it never defines who we are. We continue to move through life with unwavering faith, genuine smiles, and an abundance of love to share with others.” -
Elizabeth Fingas
In February of 2021 the area was shocked at the sudden passing of Karen Fingas, a mother of four young children and much loved LPN at the Russell Personal Care Home, just eight days after her diagnosis of stomach cancer.
Now, after hearing Terry Fox’s older brother Fred talk at Major Pratt, earlier this month, Craig and Karen Fingas’ eldest daughter Elizabeth, is organizing and hosting ‘A Run For You’ in her honor and in aid of the Cancer Care Unit in Russell.
“Our family has endured a lot, but it never defines who we are,” Elizabeth said.
“We continue to move through life with unwavering faith, genuine smiles, and an abundance of love to share with others.”
These traits and values, Elizabeth said, have been passed down through generations.
“It started with listening to stories from our great grandparents (Ann and Ray Davidson, and Alice and Paul Fingas) when we would visit for juice and dainties, sitting on their laps as they spoke.”
“Then to our grandparents (Gayle and Randy Fingas, Shirley Driedger and the late Mike Petryk) who provide us guidance when we feel lost, to our parents (Craig and the late Karen Fingas) who created the beautiful people we have and will become.”
Now, she says, it has come down to Craig and Karen’s children - Elizabeth, Jamie, Kennedy and Brodie Fingas.

Read the full story on pages 1 and 2 in this week's Russell Banner.