Her home always smelled delicious. There was always music playing. A warm smile and a motherly hug always greeted me. Karen and Andy’s home was a happy and a comforting space to spend time. Karen was a beautiful person with a great smile and a wonderful laugh. Her love of her family and friends, her love of music and teaching, and sharing of her delicious creations from her kitchen were all part of the fabulous aspects of who Karen was. I grew up with her daughters Debra and Tammy (Adriana) for a time, and their home was where I learned how to climb trees, get my hands on cookie dough, eat crab apples, build snowmen in the winter and run in the sprinkler in the summer. There were sleepovers and movie nights and I loved the family’s cats and dogs, She and Cleo, if memory serves. Karen treated my sister and I like her own. Our families shared July 1st gatherings, birthday celebrations, and simple play dates. Sadly, I have been out of touch for some time, but I will always remember Karen with love and admiration for the full life that she seemed to live and the good memories that I have of her. My deepest sympathies go out to Andy, Debra and Adriana, to their families and to all of Karen’s family and friends. Karen is so loved and will be deeply missed. I know that Augie and Sam will be there to greet her. Our love, always.

Joanna (Jo) Schellenberg