Obituaries

Karen's face came to my mind last week. I hadn't thought about her in a few years, but I knew the Lord wanted me to know she had gone home to be with Him. Karen and I worked together at Heart of Florida United Way from 1990 until the year she retired. She was my Supervisor and I was a young Mother-to-be. My husband (at the time) and I didn't have a lot of money so Karen sewed several very stylish maternity outfits for me so I would have something nice to wear to work. Everyone complimented me on her outfits and said I was the cutest pregnant lady they'd ever seen. Every afternoon when I was very pregnant, she would come by my desk and say, "Let's go outside...It's time to walk the baby". I always thought of Karen as a second Mom. The last time I saw her was in 2015 at a small reunion with one other co-worker. She was always so cheerful and full of life! She's an Angel in Heaven now and I know I'll see her again some day! God Bless you, Michelle, Mike and Nic. You're Mother will be missed very much!

We first met Karen in 1998 when we were in Kissimmee, FL for a BMW Car Club convention. Her sister Jackie, whom we knew through the same Club, had arranged for Karen to bring us some “supplies” for our stay. This lovely women knocked on the hotel room door of two complete strangers and brings us some A&W root beer, candy and other goodies. We visited for probably an hour that day before she had to leave. We got to know her and Michelle, Michael and Nicolas over the years that followed, and were often kept up to date on their goings-on through Jackie. We have many examples of Karen’s sewing ability in our home, including our BMW Motorsports colored garage curtains! We know her family will miss her greatly, but hope that they find consolation in knowing that she is suffering no more and being remembered fondly by many. Our deepest condolences to the whole family for their loss.

I share with Michelle, Michael, Nicholas and Jackie in their grief at the passing of Karen. Although I only had the privilege of meeting Karen one time, I will always remember the joy we had at sharing dinner with my Florida Sis and her family. I could see both grace and spitfire in such a wonderful person. Karen will be greatly missed.

My sister and I texted or spoke EVERY day. Sometimes it was simply an exchange of the FL/CT weather report. Other times we shared sisterly fodder. She did lots of sewing for me long distance and often said I gave her challenges she took on with relish but with today's technology - pictures enabled her to take on that challenge. Her heart and soul and presence are in every part of my home. She knows I love her and miss her.