I met Karen Hummon at Nathan Eckstein, Jr. High.  She, Judy Dance & I became very good friends there, which continued on to RHS and for all three of us, for the rest of Karen's life.  We all went to separate colleges and had separate careers but, always kept in touch (the old fashioned way - cards & letters. Karen was employed by Continental Airlines for many years and then as the secretary of her church for many more. Karen was the preacher's kid, daughter of Ed Hummon, Pastor of Univ. Lutheran Church.  He and my dad were wonderful friends, as well.  My husband & I stood with Karen and her groom, Ed Dennis, as they were married by her dear dad.  He had vowed he would eat a hamburger at her wedding reception instead of cake...and he did!  Karen and her dad shared a devilishly charming sense of humor. Karen & Ed's only child was born just a few hours after our 3rd child was born, which gave Karen & I yet another close bond. Through the years, we kept track of our kids with many Mother-hood chit-chats...by 'snail mail', yet!  We exchanged Christmas gifts, holiday cards, phone calls and visited one another whenever her family could get away from the San Francisco area to come up here or we could travel down there.  We enjoyed our friendship until her passing.  I was aware of her illness but, was caught off guard by how severe it was and how rapidly it took her from us. I feel sadness that she had known her only grandchild since her birth only a few short months before. I have tried to keep in touch with her family and believe her mom is still alive at over 100 years of age. I miss Karen's happy zest for life and her beautiful smile.  She was a bright light in my life and a true long time friend in every way.  I, along with so many others, miss her.  It was an honor to know her.

I remember Karen in particular from Aristelle MacDonald's drama classes.  She really loved the acting process and was completely involved in Senior Play and the Drama Festival. During one performance of "Harvey," as it happens to so many actors now and then, Karen went up on her lines.  I was onstage alone with her, but never lost confidence she'd remember the words. I just started doing some general onstage business and in just a moment, without missing a beat (or the audience even aware of it), she got those lines going again, and turned her scene into a memorable performance.  She told me later that this was a pretty tough way to do theatre, but was delighted that it turned out so well.

Karen Hummon was an important friend of my "growing-up" years. She was one of my pals, along with Karen Claussen Timberlake, who also went to University Lutheran Church. Her dad was pastor of the church. When I married Don, our pastor was from that church. At one of the reunions, about 10 years ago, Karen and Judy Adams saved me a place at their table, really making me feel special. She was that kind of person. I was very sad at her passing.