Karen was born in Bremerton and was proud of her Finnish heritage. She had a career as a nurse before she married her husband, Fred. After she married Fred, she lived in Des Moines, Washington, Wichita, Kansas, and the Netherlands before settling in Mossyrock.
Karen is survived by blood family and family of the heart.
Her blood family includes her husband, Fred; daughter, Sara; and the extended Kippo family. She showed such love as a grandmother and great-grandmother that it blurred the lines between blood family and chosen family.
Her family of the heart was extensive. She will be greatly missed by the Gue, Breed, Polfus, Hawkins and Kritzeck families, along with many other individuals she has touched throughout her long and caring life.
She easily and eagerly welcomed people to her home, her dinner table and her heart. Her passion for helping people touched her entire community. She was a spiritual guide and prayer-warrior to some. To others, she was a listening board and event planner. She was a second mom, a surrogate grandma and a caring friend to countless others. She was a vocal supporter of her local community, 4-H and the Farm Bureau. She was skilled at making jewelry, quilts and friends. She showed her love by sharing hugs, laughter and food. We will miss her contagious laughter, her support and her active presence in our lives.
Her funeral Mass will be held Friday, Oct. 27, at St. Yves Catholic Church in Mossyrock.
