Karen E. McConnell

Karen graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane in 1955. She attended Washington State College for 2 years before returning to Spokane to start work.

She met the love of her life, Richard Dale McConnell at a party in 1957. They fell in love and were married June 27, 1959. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 27th, 2009 and celebrated 53 years together in June of 2012. Karen and Richard started their family in Spokane with the birth of their first son Jeff in 1966, they celebrated the birth of their second son Mark in Olympia the following year. After a couple of years they settled in Bellevue, where they maintained the family home for the next 44 years.

Karen grew up an Army Brat, moving with her Father and Mother from base to base as her father served his country. Karen spent her early working years working in the retail and banking industry as a book-keeper. After marriage Karen dedicated herself to putting her husband through school, after his graduation she became a full-time homemaker, of which she was extremely proud. With the birth of her two children, Karen started her years of volunteering, both as a PTA member and President, but also taking a big roll with Overlake Service League, where she spent many years working with others for the betterment of her community. One other “Badge of Courage” that Karen wore proudly for many years was that of a Hockey Mom.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother Helen and Arnold Gilbertson, and her husband Richard McConnell. She leaves behind her son’s Jeff and Mark, Jeff’s wife Terri, and the lights of her life, grandchildren Kaitlyn and Dillon.

A memorial service will be held for Karen on July 19th at 11AM at the Bellevue First Congregational Church in Bellevue at 752 108th Ave NE, Bellevue. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Karen’s name to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements made by Sunset Hills Funeral Home.

Please sign the on-line guest book at WWW.SUNSETHILLSFUNERALHOME.COM.