Karin Koenig (Also known as Karin Harmer)

May 10, 1964 to January 5, 2024

     Karin was born in Spokane, WA and grew up in Bellingham. In her early teens, one of her most exotic life adventures was living for three years on a sailboat with her parents and brother. One of those years, they sailed from Bellingham to Tahiti, stopping at various islands along the way. The last year living on the boat, she attended Bellingham High School and went on to Western Washington University. In 1986, she married Tom Harmer. They brought three daughters into the world: Kristy, Julie, and Michelle. That relationship ended in 1998. In 2002, Karin married Paul Emerson, who added two stepsons to the family (Daniel & Derek). She lived in the greater Seattle area most of her adult life until 2021 when she and her husband moved to Scottsdale, Arizona.  

     Karin’s loving and radiant spirit positively influenced countless lives. She had a special way of connecting with people, even complete strangers, and making them feel included. In every aspect of Karin’s life, she emanated so much love that it raised the standard of excellence for how we interact with each other. Throughout her life, Karin was generous with her time and empathy.  

     Entertaining guests in her home brought Karin so much joy. She loved to cook, have deep conversations on the patio, and connect over games with a glass of wine. Her classy demeanor was accented by her fun fashion: floral colors, fuzzy shawls, and flowing silky fabrics. Thrift shopping was a thrill for her. She always found the most unique items. Karin loved hummingbirds and enjoyed having a hummingbird feeder at her home, especially after the passing of her beloved mother, Bertie, in 2017. 

     Professionally, Karin’s passion for her work was truly inspiring. Assisting low income families, people moving to the US, and first time home buyers to get approved for home loans was her specialty. Her heart was poured into every client and colleague interaction. Countless individuals are now in homes today, thanks to Karin’s nurturing commitment to making a difference in their lives. 

     Spiritually, Karin believed in the connecting energy of the Universe and in God. Her open mind and faithful heart was always optimistic, providing everyone she touched with a sense of peace and acknowledgement.  

     Karin was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of cancer (triple negative and inflammatory breast cancer) in November 2022. According to the Phoenix Mayo Clinic staff, her battle was so uniquely puzzling that her case was on the top of the discussion boards for their national briefings. 

     At the age of 59, on January 5, 2024, surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren, and family, Karin passed away from complications related to her cancer. Karin is survived by her spouse, Paul; daughters, Kristy (and her partner Travis), Julie (and her spouse, Elliot, and daughter Noa), Michelle (and her daughters Charlotte and Kennedy); her stepsons, Derek (and his spouse, Ann and daughter Rachel), and Daniel (and his spouse, Samantha, and daughter Hannah); her father, Wes (and his wife Carol); her brother, Rod (and his spouse Kim, and their children, Kara, Dustin, and Micah); and her sister, Michelle McNeil.  

Our lives are forever touched, and her light will shine through us for years to come.

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