Karen Marie Garnett, 75

Karen was the cherished only child of Bernice and Chester Larson. Karen lived her entire life in Gig Harbor. As a child she played with the kids of local fishing families so much so that Mrs. Malich lovingly renamed her Karen Larson-ich.

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Washington University, Karen taught middle school at both “the old Goodman” and Kopachuck for 37 years. She loved working with her middle school aged kids. She taught diverse subjects including Home Economics, Math, Reading and Health. In addition to teaching she coached her middle school girls to several successful soccer seasons. Karen had a special love for this age group and she had a way of reaching the kids who needed it most. Over the years Karen continued her own studies, earning a Masters of Education from Lesley College in Boston and taking additional credits to keep learning.

Karen is survived by Greg, her husband for 42 years, and cousins in La Conner, Longview, Minnesota, Texas and Virginia. As her husband for 42 years I was lucky to share my life with the best person I ever had the honor to meet. She made every day better.

Karen always put others first. Those who met Karen remember how she made them feel important. She was an exquisite gift giver, always delivering a thoughtful, personal touch. Friends and family have fond recollections of the fabulous dinner parties Karen hosted where she graciously displayed her incredible cooking and entertaining skills. Visitors to the house would marvel at the brightness and warmth that Karen designed in our garden. Karen taught me about love, graciousness, compassion and resilience. She was so easy to love.

Karen had just as much strength and grit as she did softness. Shortly after she retired she fought and beat breast cancer thanks to her tenacious fight and her incredible team of doctors and nurses at Fred Hutch in Seattle. In her final two years she contracted a rare blood disease. Thanks again to her fighting spirit and the great Fred Hutch team she was able to give me and her friends 2 precious more years of gracious and fun times with her.

She blessed me with a life I could never have dreamed of on my own. She loved me and the 3 golden retrievers we shared for over the years, Seve, Els and Seve 2.0 fiercely. Karen now lives for eternity with her loving Lord Jesus. I will enjoy the day I will join her for eternity. As we always said to each other, “Love Always Wins’.

Those who want to join me in honoring Karen’s legacy can send a donation to Fred Hutch.