Sit in the Front Row
Shared by Susan Hall, a very dear long time friend of Karen:
Karen and I became friends when we worked together in the late 1970s in Newport. She made every day joyful. We were banging away on our IBM typewriters, typing proposals and answering phones, but mostly laughing and looking forward to going to lunch in the Porsche. When she was on the phone she would twirl a piece of her hair. She could type 130+ words a minute and make people laugh while doing it. I marveled at what a loving and cool mother she was, which was evident then but is more evident now by how very cool and loving Michael and Melissa are today.
Whenever I spoke to Karen, I felt like I was back in her kitchen. Time and distance did not matter, we picked up where we left off which was mostly laughing at ourselves. Everything about being with her, speaking to her, thinking about her, made me happy and grateful she was my friend. I will cherish that till we meet again, hopefully on a beach wearing big shades and straw hats and sipping anything over ice. All my love, Susan
Childhood
The story I remember most was Karen babysitting for the four crazy Vanettes kids,
while the her parents and mine went out on the town....
On this night she lost the youngest boy, Cary, only to find him stuffed in the chimmey. I'm sure the boys were playing 'lets hide from Karen'.
I'm pretty sure it was her last night with us.
Birthday Bash at Crackers!
The Island Girls
This is one of my favorite pictures as well!!!!! Just to mention one of many, a Catalina trip stands out and the 5 women that took that trip together. Karen of course, she was our driver, in a golf cart, Linda our director and navigator. PJ who tried to organize and then Luann and NIlda who came for the fun and laughter. We believed in bonding and how that would translate at work. After a few drinks we agreed the trip was a success and Catalina would never be the same.
Karen, our mind still talks to you, our heart still looks for you and our soul knows, you are at pease.
Fun with Karen
Working with Karen every day at the City of Huntington Beach couldn't have been more fun! Just to give you a "flavor" of the Squad's weekly get togethers at Karen's home, the "Delfino Club," Often times as we all gathered, the guys would take turns sitting in the Barber Chair for confessions or to open up about their despair for the week! Beers were always included, and one night Tommy Graham couldn't drive home and Karen put him on the couch for the night and made sure he went to work the next morning in clean clothes - HERS!!! Clean white blouse and some slacks. OMG, Karen you made every situation the funnest experience ever! My children loved you like their second mom, and Herb and I will love you forever! I know I have an angel watching over me in heaven - I can't imagine the fun you brought there; the parties you're already planning and the laughs shared with loved ones! All our love, Herb & Linda