Karen Ann Nowak

Karen A. Nowak, a woman of unwavering faith, and a vibrant spirit who left an indelible mark on everyone she met, has taken her rest.

Born in Spokane, WA and raised in Rosalia, Washington, Karen was the second daughter of Virgil Warren Breithaupt and Margaret Beatrice Born. Shortly after high school, she married James C. Pemberton of Sturgis, Kentucky. Within a year, she welcomed the first of her four sons, embarking on a journey that would span nearly 40 years of marriage. With her boys in tow, the family moved from Kentucky to Spokane, Washington, and eventually settled in the Puget Sound area. Throughout these years, Karen was a dedicated worker, building a career in insurance, office administration for temp agencies, and the Boeing Airplane Company. As life often unfolds, Karen and Jim's marriage ultimately came to a close after their youngest son was married.

Nearly 30 years ago, Karen found her second breath of life when she married Wally Nowak. To Karen, Wally was her "Peach." Together, they built a beautiful life, traveling across the country and around the world. They leaned into their lives together, building a foundation and a marriage that others modeled.

Karen simply loved people, and she loved feeling loved in return. That appreciation drove her to give even more of herself to those around her. She was wonderfully unapologetic and outspoken; people always knew exactly what Karen felt, and that was a truly good thing. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, she was the "family Wikipedia." If you needed to know who lived where, who had a birthday coming up, or who was traveling, Karen had the answer. She was also a self-taught musician who played the organ by ear—once famously quipping that when she got good enough playing by ear, she’d learn to use her fingers instead. Karen maybe never blushed; instead, she seamlessly drove conversations from one good thing to the next.

As the sole remaining member of the family she was born into, Karen carried those memories nobly. She never hesitated to wax poetically about her family's adventures, their decorating tastes, or to share anecdotes that perfectly punctuated the silliness, oddness, and fun of her family's history.

Above all, Karen clung tightly to her Faith. She didn't question her beliefs; to her, they were not simply 'beliefs' but the simple truths and facts of nature. In a world where people are often afraid to pick a side, Karen jumped in with both feet—and that took profound courage.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sisters Arnola Jean, Diane Kay, and her brother Gerald Allen.

Karen is survived by her dear husband, Wally Nowak; her children James (Jimmy) Allen Pemberton of Spanaway, WA, Randall (Randy) Gene Pemberton of Tacoma, WA, Duane Paul Pemberton of Knoxville, TN, and Darin Edward Pemberton of Stewartstown, PA. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Natalie Marie Clark of Amity OR, Jeff Allan Nowak of Snohomish, WA , Laura Nowak of London England; 25 Grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and scores of extended family and friends.

Karen’s final resting place will be in Tahoma National Cemetery, outside of Kent, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Karen’s vibrant spirit through donations to:

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/operation-heal-our-patriots/

Further, show your love for Karen's memory by doing the following: pray every day for your loved ones, enjoy a Vanilla Latte, decorate your table for each season, and find a way, every day, to recognize just how awesome it is to be alive.