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.
Karine Blais was killed in Canada s 12-year campaign in Afghanistan, part of a U.S.-led effort that came to a chaotic end in August when the Taliban retook the country. Her mom has now been named this year s Silver Cross Mother by the Royal Canadian Legion.