Thinking of Karen, Jim, Jesse and Elijah today. 

Karen was a dear friend for many decades. She was sweet, funny, fun, compassionate, and SO wise even in the early days of our friendship, mid 1980's. She taught me so much about love, life and music. She'd sit patiently for hours trying to explain music theory to me, saying she could see my brain flying out the window, and then when I finally got it, she say there it is—the lightbulb went on over your head! I miss her, and wish we had many years more to write songs together and share stories. I am so grateful to have had the pleasure of her company in my life. 

  Karen was a very kind and wonderful person. She will be greatly missed.

  Please accept our most sincere condolences.

As the ACE liaison for DCPS Becoming, I had the honor of working closely with her for the past two years, and I was able to witness close-hand her brilliance, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to equitable access to Social-Emotional Learning in the classroom.

Karen was more than a colleague; she was my mentor, my collaborative partner, and since last year, my Cancer buddy. When I was diagnosed with Cancer last year, she helped me navigate the emotional frustrations, the complicated new Cancer vocabulary, and the DCPS paperwork in a way that only a fellow fighter can. This disease can be very lonely, but with Karen, I felt free to ask questions and advocate for myself like never before. She sent me giftcards for meal services and I sent her back care packages, and she became part of my personal community. From the bottom of my heart: thank you, Karen.