Memories of Karen
We have created an online form to submit memories of Karen to be included on this website and at the celebrations of life. You can submit a story through the form. If you have photos or video, please fill out the form indicating that you do and we will follow up with you. We hope that with everyone sharing their memories, we all can remember Karen a bit more.
Submit a Memory Through the Memory Form
The Cepelaks
"We have had the privilege of knowing Nana over the years, and she has always been incredibly welcoming to our family, including our children. I can vividly recall the many interactions, especially with our kids, and how she always made them feel special. It has truly been both an honor and a pleasure to know her throughout the years."
Daly Mansion - Riverside Post
Karen was a dedicated volunteer at the Daly Mansion beginning between 1999-2000. She was a beloved member of our team, a strong advocate for volunteer recruitment, and her welcoming spirit, enthusiasm, and great sense of humor drew many people to the Mansion. If you ever needed a laugh, Karen was the person to seek out. Everyone who knew her has an entertaining story about her many antics.
One of our volunteers, Rob, helped her fulfill a bucket list wish by taking her for a motorcycle ride. It took her several minutes to get on the bike because she was laughing so hard, and we could hear her yelling with joy all the way down the driveway! It was a fun and memorable day for everyone. Karen was also a diehard Seahawks fan and never missed a game. Another memory includes when Karen had to purchase a T-shirt from the brothel in Idaho which she proudly wore on the rest of the volunteer trip. The T-shirt was that of a bikini body, which the other gals thought was very humorous. Another memory they have is when Karen couldn’t make it to one of their traps, so they had a mask made of her face to represent at their volunteer trip.
In accordance with Karen's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, her family will be hosting Celebrations of Life in her memory. The current plan includes celebrations in Seattle on April 17th, 2025, and in New York on May 31st, 2025. A third celebration is being planned for Montana, but the date is still to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Karen's name to either the Marcus Daly Mansion in Hamilton, MT, or Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, WA.
Photos provided by Darlene Gould
Karen Gardner Hillman and Bob Hillman
Jared and Janae I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. For the last five years I’ve been trying to contact her to no avail. We kept up with each other until she moved to Montana and after Fred died. When you kids were in about Jr High you visited us at the farm in Aitkin Mn where we still live today. Karen and I met while attending Mankato Commercial College in Mankato Mn in 1959. After finishing there we had an apartment together with Karen Larsen Brummer in Minneapolis until Karen left for Seattle. Imagine three Karens living together. We all had our nicknames. Karen worked at Pillsbury Company in downtown Mpls and rode the bus in those 3” heels. She was always dressed to the nines. We had great memories of that time. I was from Iowa and Karen being from Garrison we had lots of fun. Karen introduced me to my husband and we’ve been married for over 62 years. Just yesterday we went through Garrison and I remembered the fun we had at her home there. I didn’t know she had passed at that time. From her obituary it looks like she had a wonderful life and lots of friends. Thinking of you. Let the memories last forever!