In the four years we worked closely together, Karen brought kindness, comfort, color and fun to our world. I watched her do that for all the people around us, too. She was perfect in the role of mentor to non-traditional students because she had 'been theredone that' - she gave off an aura of acceptance and encouragement. She had something to talk about with everyone (she often said she could talk to a stump and I believed it) and she made people feel like they were not only okay, but valuable, and she helped them find meaning. Even the daily routine was fun with Karen around. There was something about her presence that affirmed the value of the day itself, and I found myself feeling like the workday had not really started until I touched base with Karen. She generously shared her audio books with me and introduced me to many exciting authors that I would not have read without her generosity. She took care of her family and Graceland students so well that I often wondered how she had time for art, too. Heaven, too, will benefit from this talented and beautiful lady. She'll make that a better place, too.