Karen Evon Arcand

Karen Evon Arcand “Blondie” passed October 14, 2024. She stayed at home with her loving family up until the last couple of nights of her life.

 Karen was born in Whitefish to Lois Montana McGovern-Haugen and Kenneth Francis Haugen on July 21, 1941. She was raised in Whitefish briefly. Karen and her younger sister, Kay, were later enrolled in the St. Ignatious Catholic School where they became victims of the abuse inflicted on native children. From there she moved around between Babb, Browning, and Cut Bank.

 Karen met the love of her life, Edward “Punny” Arcand in 1955 in Babb. They married in Cardston, ALB Canada on September 9, 1958. They had four children together, Edward, Ricky, Kenneth, and Misty. They later divorced in 1969.

 Karen attended school in Browning, Cut Bank, and Chemawa Indian School. In the early 1970’s she attended nursing school in Missoula where she earned her LPN license. Nursing came naturally to her, and she found her passion and her career. She started working for Browning Indian Health Service in the 70’s and continued service to the Blackfeet community for the remainder of her career. She was a very kind and loving person, always helping and caring for others. She was a wonderful true friend to all!

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Patrick and Patricia Billedeaux, Punky Haugen, Ron Davis; and son, Ricky John Arcand.

Survivors include her sons, Edward “Beaver” (Pastel) Arcand and Kenneth Shane Arcand; daughter, Misty Shantell Arcand; grandsons, Ricky Shane Arcand Sr., Kenneth John Arcand, Ricky Raeleigh, Rochelle, Raelynn Arcand; sister, Kay Ellen Decker-Shawl of Ft. Belknap; and brother, Mike Billedeaux (Liz) of Cut Bank. 

A wake will begin Saturday, October 19, at 14 1/2 Blevins One (on Hwy 464 Bearpaw) and continue through Tuesday, October 22.