Mom of Quebec Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Named Silver Cross Mother

Josee Simard, right, mother of Canadian Trooper Karine Blais, receives the Canadian Forces Ensign from Lt.-Col. Stephane Tremblay after a funeral service as Marco Sergerie, (C), looks on in Les Méchins, Que on April 24, 2009. The Canadian Press/Clement Allard

OTTAWA—Josée Simard still recalls the spirit of playful mischief that ran through her daughter, Karine Blais, going back to grade school in rural Quebec.

“Once we had a turtle at home. I was brushing my teeth, and she yelled, ’Mom, don’t brush your teeth with that brush!’” Simard said. It was the same one Blais was using to scrub the family’s pet reptile.