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Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." -Isaiah 61:3 Karen quietly went to be with the Lord on September 10th, 2005 in her home. She was a bright, cheerful, giving member of Immanuel’s Church and will be greatly missed by her much-loved family, friends, and community. Born in Latrobe, PA, Karen miraculously survived childhood cancer and, despite the odds, became a mother to five children and a grandmother to three. She graduated as a member of the Honor Society from Hempfield High School in 1970 and began 32 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband in 1973. Karen was a talented writer and had a great love of words. She especially loved to write about all the things that the Lord was doing in her life and in the lives of those around her. She spent long hours on the Internet encouraging others from around the world whose lives had been torn by cancer. She left a legacy of stories, poems, and testimonies that will touch lives for years to come. She had a gift for making friends and staying in touch, no matter how many years and miles and moves had to be bridged. One of her greatest joys was to simply spend time talking… sharing her heart, her life, and her Lord Jesus with others. Even when Karen was in pain herself, she gave her all to uplift those around her. She enjoyed coordinating meals for Camp Sonshine, and she and Don loved to open their home often to Camp counselors, international visitors, and anyone else who needed a place to stay. Her life was always full, no matter where she was or what circumstances surrounded her. Even during her second battle with cancer, she still spent every birthday celebrating each year that the Lord had given her. We know that she is dancing in the presence of the Lord now, singing her favorite worship and praise songs with the angels. We celebrate the miraculous life she was given and the gift of her life that was given to us. …And we’ll celebrate with her when we meet again. |