Karen was a very dear friend. Our friendship began at a young age, as our parents were close friends too and they also graduated from Roosevelt High! I always think about Karen, and wish her life had not been taken so young. We shared many memorable years together in the summers on Whidbey Island. We learned to water-ski, hunt agates, sleep in the sand and watch the stars. We appreciated our friendship. At John Marshall Jr. High, Peggy Button, Vicki Skewes, Susie Dewar, Karen and I became five very close friends. We had slumber parties on the week-ends, and the laughter and giggles were constant. One funny memory was all us decided to bake a six layer cake for the junior high bake sale at Karen's house. Her Mother supervised us in their kitchen, and we diligently worked for hours only to finish and have the cake collapse! Karen had a fabulous sense of humor. She was a caring and thoughtful listener as a friend. In her quiet way, she always knew what to say. She had a beautiful smile and loved to laugh. I admired her role as a Mother. She had three wonderful children and was very devoted to them. She was a Mom before I was, so I called her often for advice! Karen called me two weeks before her untimely passing, and I was not able to see her at that time. I have always wished that visit had taken place. I will forever miss Karen and hold all the special memories very dear to my heart. She was one of those people who gave unconditional love.

Karen was a neighbor and a good friend in high school. I was looking forward to seeing her after all these years. I was sadden to hear of her death.