In Memory of Karen: Help Us Heal

Story

Help Us Honor Karen – A Beloved Mother, Partner, and Friend Hello everyone, I’m writing with the heaviest heart to share that my sweet, sweet mother, Karen, has left this world to join the stars. Karen was the light of our lives. She was our constant—our safe place, our encourager, our truth-teller, and our greatest source of love. She was an incredible listener—the kind of person who made you feel truly seen and heard. Whether you needed advice, a quiet presence, or someone to hold space without judgment, she showed up with her whole heart. She wasn’t just a mother—she was our best friend. Losing her feels like losing the ground beneath our feet. What Happened Two weeks ago, Karen experienced a sudden and catastrophic aortic rupture. My dad and I were with her when it happened, and we were able to get her to the hospital, where she underwent an emergency eight-hour open-heart surgery. She spent the next 15 days in the Cardiovascular ICU at Swedish Cherry Hill—surrounded by machines, cared for by an amazing team, and fighting with all the strength and spirit she had. Miraculously, she returned to us—awake and present—for about nine of those days. Though she couldn’t speak with her voice, she communicated through her eyes, her hands, her expressions, and her deep, unwavering love. We had the gift of time with her: to hold her, to thank her, and to say goodbye. She passed at noon on Saturday, July 12, wrapped in love, in peace, and in our arms. Why We’re Asking for Help We’re doing our best to navigate the heartbreak and the sudden wave of responsibilities that come with losing someone so vital to our lives. Karen wasn’t just our emotional anchor—she was also a crucial part of our financial stability. She helped cover rent and bills, and she was quietly saving for her grandson Eddie’s future education. Her absence is devastating in every way—emotionally, spiritually, and practically. We’re raising funds to: Cover the cost of her cremation and a celebration of life Begin to pay off medical bills from her 15 days in the Cardiovascular ICU Stay in the home we shared while we grieve and begin to rebuild Every contribution helps—truly. Whether it’s $5, $50, or simply sharing this page with someone who knew and loved her, we are deeply, humbly grateful. Karen built her life around caring for others, and we are trying our best to honor her with that same love and care now. Keeping Her Close We’ll be holding a memorial celebration for Karen soon and will share those details as they come together. Until then, please carry her with you. And if you have a story, a memory, or even a one-liner that reminds you of her—especially something funny or unmistakably Karen—please send it our way. She would’ve loved that. And so would we. Thank you for reading. Thank you for loving her. And thank you for holding us in your hearts during this time we never imagined facing. With deep love and gratitude, Gabe