Karen Nelson Bibb

Karen Nelson Bibb passed away January 12, 2018 at 96. She was born in rural Darrington, WA on October 23, 1921 to Enny and Nels Gotfreid Nelson, Swedish immigrants. At age 3 the family moved to Riverview (Snohomish), WA. Karen graduated from Snohomish High School in 1940 and the University of Washington in 1945. She received her Master of Merchandising from NYU in 1948. In 1949, Karen met Robert Cushman Bibb in Seattle, where she worked at Fredrick & Nelson. The two were married the following June. They moved to Arlington, WA where they lived until 1974, at which time they moved to Everett, WA when Robert was appointed to the Snohomish County Superior Court. Karen, who was affectionately known as Mugs, is survived by two loving daughters, Allison Bibb-Rice of Bellingham, WA and Charlotte Hammond (Stephen) of Sterling, VA; two granddaughters, Kerstin Hammond of Sterling and Brianna Hammond Williams (Avery) of Philadelphia, PA; brother-in-law, Ralph Coon of Olympia, WA; several nieces and nephews, Tyler (Nancy) Coon of Brisbane, CA; Kristi (Bob) Lee of Everett; Kerstin (Clarence) Lavarias of Boise, ID; Karen (Jim) Pauley of Everett; Ron Nelson of Everett; and Anna (Ted) Norris of Camas, WA; and numerous grandnieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 65 years; sister, Alice Coon of Olympia; brother, Nels G. Nelson Jr.; and sister-in-law, Carro Nelson of Everett; and son-in-law, Stuart Rice of Bellingham. Karen had been an active member of many local organizations, including Book Club and Opera Guild. She was especially proud of her activities associated with the Assistance League of Everett and Central Lutheran Church. She was a wonderful cook and hostess, avid gardener, enjoyed golfing, and was a Life Master rank bridge player. She and Robert traveled extensively. Their last big trip together was to Vietnam when she was 90. A memorial service will be held at Central Lutheran Church, Everett, on April 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. She will be buried with her Mother and Father at the G.A.R. Cemetery in Snohomish. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen's name to Central Lutheran Church or the Everett Gospel Mission.