Karen was born on April 1, 1963 to Bill and Liunora Lacy.  She had a brother named Perry who was 6 years older than her. Karen also had two sisters, Geraldine and Diana, who had passed before she was born.  As a child, Karen excelled in school and was a devoted Christian. Karen was ill from an early age and among her struggles were epilepsy and diabetes. The doctors told her that having children would pose a great danger to her and the unborn child and that she may not ever be able to have children. She did manage to have a child though, her miracle baby.  On February 21, 1983 Karen was blessed with her only child Mary Helen Lacy. As a single parent, Karen worked two jobs so she could give her daughter the best education possible.  Mary attended a Christian school and she was so dedicated to her faith.  Karen was crafty and home made a lot of Mary's clothes. She also enjoyed crocheting baby blankets and clothes for Mary's dolls. They also enjoyed gardening together. One of Karen's fondest memories with Mary was when Mary came into the house and brought her a petunia. It was such a shock to her because they had never planted petunias.   Both Karen and Mary enjoyed visiting nursing homes and spending time with their elderly friends.  Mary was Karen's world and together their presence lit up any room. On the morning of September 25, 1991 when Mary was just 8 years old, Karen's world changed forever.  Mary's school was going on a field trip out of town to a carnival and Karen volunteered to transport Mary and two other little girls. Just yards away from their destination tragedy struck.  Karen's car was hit by a diesel truck and Mary and one of the passengers were killed instantly.  That single moment changed the lives of so many. Karen was never the same. Part of her glow was gone. She struggled to cope with her loss and eventually found several grief support groups which helped her. Karen developed lupus a few years later and the doctors believed that the impact of the accident had triggered it.  She also developed many other health related illnesses. In 2000 she decided to move to Missouri to be with her Father, Bill. His company put a spark back in her. Although they were both ill, they managed to take very good care of each other. Each gave the other a reason to carry on.  Together they were an awesome team. They could put a smile on anyone's face and were definatly great for a good laugh.   In early 2011 Bill's health was steadily declining. Karen stayed by his side, a dedicated daughter.  On February 20, 2011 Bill passed away. Once again Karen had to deal with an unbearable pain. From that moment on her health went down hill. In so many ways she gave up the will to go on. She spent the next 21 months in and out of the hospital. Her health declined to a point where she had to be placed into a nursing home so she could have round-the-clock care. Somehow through all her grief she still managed to try and make others smile and laugh. In early November 2012 Karen decided that she no longer wished to receive the dialysis and medications that kept her alive. She was tired and wanted to go home. On November 10, 2012 she passed away. I write this memorial as her funeral is taking place. I know that she is looking down on us all from Heaven. I can see her with a big, dimpled smile on her face and Mary under one arm and her Father under the other. She now has the reunion that she longed for. Although loosing the 3 of them still weighs heavy on my heart, I know that they would want me to celebrate their homecoming. They are safe with Jesus, free from the pain that we all have to endure during our short stay here.   Anybody who had the joy of knowing them knows that they were 3 angels while here on earth. They touched so many lives while here and were also touched by so many. Their memory and the impact they made will go on for a lifetime. Forever missed and loved.

Please visit the tribute to her Daughter and Father 

mary-helen-lacy.forevermissed.com

william-perry-lacy.forevermissed.com