By Kelsey Cobb
In 1978, a bright-eyed, redhead girl left Sault Ste. Marie, with a suitcase full of high heels to move to North Bay, to embark on a teaching journey that would shape the rest of her life.
When moving to North Bay to attend Nipissing University for Teachers College, Karen Fabbro-Cobb didn’t know this would soon become her forever home. During her time at Nipissing, she met a North Bay local, Bruce Cobb. Bruce was in the teaching program, as well, and she fell in love with the man in the overalls. Teaching was a second career for Bruce. He had already worked on the pipeline for 10 years before embarking on his teaching career.
Karen and Bruce fell in love and began their teaching journey together in North Bay.
Karen began as a classroom teacher and served in multiple northern regions within the Catholic School Board. She was placed in Mattawa, Huntsville, Sturgeon Falls, and North Bay. These early days were where she met some of her best lifelong friends. In her career, she excelled in every community she taught in.
Karen was also instrumental in developing the gifted program for Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board and had a significant impact on her students and numerous students still keep in contact with her today.
After being in the classroom for 19 years, Karen was ready for a leadership role and new challenge. She decided to apply for a position at the Board Office. In 1997 Karen accepted the position as Curriculum Coordinator, at Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.
Upon completing her Principal course in 2002, she accepted the role as school Principal at St. Alexander Catholic Elementary School.
Karen had missed working closely with the students on a daily basis but was lucky to be graced with an outstanding staff who still enrich her life to this day. After stomping the halls of St. Alexander, Karen went back to the Board Office to another leadership role as a Senior Education Official.
She continued to be dedicated to supporting children and families in education and worked closely with an office of strong, bright women who lead the way with the same passion and love for education that Karen has. These women were extremely lucky to also have Monsignor Norm Clement on their team.
For the last 10 years, Karen has finished her career as an Education Officer with the Ministry of Education. She was able to work closely with different regions; Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, etc. In this role, Karen was able to continue to be an advocate for children with special needs and indigenous students.
What’s next for Karen? Well, we all know she won’t be putting her heels away anytime soon! While she was working, Karen was able to become a published author of guided reading books for young children. She looks forward to being able to continue to write when she is retired.
Karen is excited to spend more time with her family and friends. She is very close with both of her children (Kelsey and Jordy) and looks forward to spending more quality time with them. She is excited to make more trips to Nobleton with Pops (Bruce) to see her two grandchildren (Casey and Cameron). Karen is also extremely excited to be able to take the time to go back to Sault Ste. Marie and spend time more with her mother (Sarah Fabbro)and brother (Sergio Fabbro). And most of all, she is looking forward to finally being able to do some more travelling with her husband, Bruce. Their first stop, the Yukon!
Karen, we thank you for your commitment to education for the past 42 years. You have been a mentor and an essential member of the education community enriching the lives of so many students and fellow educators. We wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter of life. Your family and friends are extremely proud of you and all of your accomplishments. You’re a powerhouse of a woman and inspiration to many! Cheers to you and your WONDERFUL career!
