my Condolences to Holly and the family in there loss of there beautiful mother Karen. thinking of you all in our prayers from Liz,Roy and Erin Colbert 

Dear Karen, 

I do not remember if I ever thanked you for the times we had traveling the road of life with our daughters. Our girls became friends starting in the fifth grade. Holly, Kelsey and Ali were certainly the three Musketeers. You were there for them through so much. I especially remember the Lord of the Rings. They made their own video re-enacting the movie. You stood in line so they could meet Elijah Wood. Whether the girls were dancing, singing, performing, playing sports, or doing homework, you were there. You were their cheerleader, costume manager, chauffeur, gofer, and spiritual guide.

You were there for them throughout their Holy Family Catholic School adventures. You helped them navigate being at different high schools. 

Our daughters have now been  close friends for over twenty years. It has always been a blessing for me to know that when Kelsey was  with you and Holly, she was in good hands. Your strong faith and focus on living a faith-filled  life has been a compass for both Kelsey and me. 

You have continued to bless my family through the ongoing friendship of our daughters. It was just in September that Holly went to visit Kelsey in Italy. They had a great time together and especially while shopping for you. 

I ask that you use your heavenly connections to watch over all of us as we maneuver through this life without your physical presence. 

You must be having a wonderful time with the saints, family, friends, and Eric. 

God Bless You and Yours

Kelsey’s Mom

Karen, 

I am honored to had had the opportunity to have gotten to know about you through your sister recently.  You loved the Lord & your family. I wish you great happiness in God's kingdom.

I am going to miss you so much.  You were always there and a rock to helping me build my faith.  I know you are happy and free with Eric and the Lord.  I love you. 

Julie 

I can’t believe your gone my heart hurts so much. You were a really good friend and always kept me in line at work. I will miss you so much. RIP dear friend you will forever be loved and in our hearts

Angi

Karen,

From the time we were kids to the last time we spoke, I was so blessed to have you in my life. Now you and Eric are together again. I love you, and I'll miss you.

Aunt Karen,

I first want to say that you will be missed and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. I always remember how passionate you would be about the things that brought you joy. One of the many things you loved was the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I can vividly recall watching the Iron Man and Thor movies together.  Through your influence I started to love those characters and movies as well! I was enamored with how much you knew and cared about the MCU. Everytime I watch an MCU project I will always think of you and ask myself, " what would Karen have thought of this episode or movie?" I also just want to add that during some of my last conversations with Karen she had mentioned Eric a lot. I always knew that if Karen could have anything in the world it would be to have at least 1 day with Eric. He was always on her mind. Now she is in complete paradise with Jesus and Eric to whom she was always anticipating to see once again. Aunt Karen will always be remembered by me and will live on through the many awesome memories we have made together! I can say the last memory I have of her was when I saw her walking with my Uncle and his dogs. My dad and I had just finished fishing for the day so I thought, "well i haven't seen Aunt Karen in a while so...I may as well give her a hug." As I stepped out of the truck to engage a hug she stopped me and said, "you're not going to hug me with fishy hands are you?" I chuckled and said," but I haven't seen you in a while and I don't smell that bad." She smiled and I proceeded to give her a hug. That was my Aunt Karen! I can say Aunt Karen was a loving, caring, and thoughtful Aunt and Mother. She loved all her kids and grandkids. Through the tough love moments to the kiss barrages, my Aunt Karen will be talked about for years.  The memories we made will forever be locked into my heart and the key to the memories will be glancing at a picture of her! I love you dearly Aunt Karen and cannot wait to see you again with Jesus!

-Matthew Bontell

Aunt Karen,

I will miss you dearly and am grateful for all the memories I had the privilege to enjoy with you while you were still with us. I will especially cherish the times we baked ambrosia and red velvet cake for the holidays as well as the laughter we shared together in your white van in-between trips to different stores on our special shopping dates. The warmth of your unmistakable laugh and the light of your smile will never be forgotten. Love you forever Aunt K (Cinnamon StiXX with the double X to those who knew you best ;) ). Thank you for blessing my life with your presence, which I pray, will continue to enrich me until that momentous day when we are reunited once more. 

-Steph

"Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." -Emily Dickinson

Karen, 

I am so blessed to have known you for the majority of my life. You and your family, Michael, Eric, and Holly and now your grandchildren have brought our family so much joy and happiness. You will be missed but never forgotten. I know God has you and Eric in the palm of His hand...See if you can save room for me and those whom you will see you again...in paradise! I love you. Goose.