Since Karen’s passing we have been surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from friends and family. Tim and the boys are being held up by this love and the blessing of community. From homework to doctor’s visits to hugs, the members are filling the gaps left from Karen’s absence. She is irreplaceable, but God’s supply is abundant. She was a remarkable and capable women. We miss her so much. My long-time friend, Brian, called her, “The friendly voice of Life Mission to the world.” She was that indeed!
So many have helped us during this difficult time. Our friends from the National Christian Conference Center came to the memorial service and arranged the food. Marilyn Kobus, donated several sandwich trays and friends from Shepherdsfield sent an overnight box of their incredible home-made baked goods. Megan made the memorial service program and Heidi put much love into the picture boards of Karen’s life. Sarah made the video that was shown at the service and Brittany made the slide show above.
Mike and Ginger Papantonakis were comforting parents to us all during our grief, and, with Mary Jo and Aunt Bee, made several meals for us right after Karen’s death. Three of Tim’s brothers and their wives came for overnight stays to comfort Tim and the boys. Also, Tim’s brother from Germany has posted on his blog his condolences and thoughts. Alec Brooks, our friend and mentor, flew in and helped in so many ways. Karen’s childhood pastor, Pastor Bowen, wonderfully shared about her at the service, also.
Quite a few people attended the memorial service. That itself was a testament of how many people Karen’s life touched. Numerous calls and cards have come in as well as donations towards the memorial garden we’ll be making in Karen’s memory.
I want to share some of the comments of love and support we’ve received.
“Karen was so welcoming and caring, truly Christ-like. We will miss her.”
“We are richer for having known Karen and the intimate place that she will always hold in all of your hearts. Your life together whispers of a better one yet to come.”
“Our hearts go out to you and we pray that God will meet all your needs. What a beautiful soul Karen was! Thank you, Lord for her life.”
“We have been blessed by Karen’s joy, excitement and faith that has encouraged us over the years here in [mission field omitted]! She has been a faithful saint in the community there, a real champion for the Lord’s work!”
“No words can express the sorrow that has pierced our hearts. Karen will be sorely missed.”
“We grieve with you at the loss of such a dear, sweet spirit. There are no words sufficient to comfort; but praise God that you are all connected to the God of all comfort!”
“I have such wonderful memories of Karen. She was always a true and loving friend. What a pleasure to have these memories and to have Karen as a friend! I appreciate her passion for Christ and others. What a beautiful example of Christ she was to everyone. She was a beautiful person inside and out.”
“What a lovely expression of Christ’s love and nature your Karen was. She was so full of fun and love.”
“It is comforting to know that Karen’s excitement for, support of, and gladsome exuberance in community life has more than prepared her for the ‘community life’ which is Heaven – there she is as one of the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ urging you and all of us to perfect on earth the Image of what she is now experiencing in the Presence of her Blessed Lord and Redeemer.”
If you would like to post a memory or thought about Karen you can leave a comment at her memorial blog.
We’re longing for the day when our Lord reunites us with our beloved sister. Maranatha!