Catherine Simon

December 29, 2020

I just want to share my condolences to you Jim on your mother's passing. I remember her as being a very sweet lady when she brought you to rehearsals.

Lawrence Trickle

December 28, 2020

Dear Jim,
We are so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. By coincidence, my wife and I saw and spoke with her just a few weeks ago. We were going for a walk and she was in front of your house. I said hello and told her to give our regards to you. She was very solicitous and kind and very pleasant. She spoke kindly of Paul. I hope you are doing well.
Regards,
Larry Trickle

Richard Hacker

December 23, 2020

In the grand scheme of things it's probably unimportant, but I wanted to correct an error I made in my previous post. My family moved next door to Karen in 1958, not 1968. Until my mother died in 2018, Karen was a good neighbor to her for 60 years.

Susan..."Sue" Griffin

December 22, 2020

The one fun memory I cherish with Karen is our friend, "Chucky".
Chucky was a battery operated skeleton head we mounted on a bulletin board outside our office door. Chucky was our special security guard since our office was in a somewhat isolated area. Chucky brought us so much joy! We'd decorate him with clothes and accessories to match the various seasons and holiday themes. Chucky would warn us when someone was approaching our office. His eyes would light up and shift side to side while he'd say his famous three liners: "Hey!" "I see you!" & "Where are you going?" He caught many people by surprise. I can hear him even now repeating those words and responding to us that Karen has gone to heaven and is watching over us. Love you, Karen. Rest in Peace. Sue G

Susan...."Sue" Griffin

December 22, 2020

I am most grateful to Karen's son, Jim, his wife and the girls, and to all of Karen's family and friends for sharing Karen with me and my family. I've had the privilege of experiencing the creative, fun side of Karen. I could write a book of the many enjoyable memories of her (i.e. *trips to workshops/conferences for our social work license renewals; *decorating our private office door for special occasions; *wheelchair rides in the hospital and to distribute Christmas gifts to co-workers; *the "SAS" San Antonio Shoes stories; *us singing happy birthday to Uncle Bob, Aunt Joan, and others; *us burning the midnight oil together at work; *here comes the big "But" stories; *movie night; *the pets in her life; and many, many more). Since I haven't written my book yet (smile), I'll share a brief story in my next & last message. Sue G

Susan....."Sue" Griffin

December 22, 2020

Karen had so many amazing qualities. She was kind, patient, compassionate, humble, comforting, empathetic, loyal, and very dedicated to her family, friends, and her job as a Social Worker. She was also very wise, resourceful, knowledgeable, intense, thorough, detailed, and principled. I can go on and on. To truly know Karen was to love her. AND, to Jim, your mom was very proud of you and loved you unconditionally to the high heavens. You are Blessed!
Sending love, peace, and prayers to ALL family and friends

Susan ......"Sue" Griffin

December 22, 2020

My heart is broken and devastated on the loss of my endearing friend, co-worker, and "big sister" twin, Karen. From the first time we met in March, 2001, at St. James/ Franciscan Alliance Hospital, I felt at ease. We shared an office together. The moment I opened the door to her/our office, I felt right at home. She had piles and piles and piles of papers stacked on her desk. My desk soon began to look the same. Despite what others may have thought, Karen and I knew exactly what resource/ information was in each pile. We truly understood and respected each other in many ways. God knows no one is perfect, but Karen was a perfect gift from God to me. She will be in my heart forever. Sue G

Richard Hacker

December 22, 2020

My family live next door to Karen and her family from 1968 until my elderly mother passed away in 2018. My sister and I played with Karen and her brother when we were young teens. Karen frequently looked in on my aging mother in more recent years. Rest in peace, Karen.

Consuelo Maria Mata

December 21, 2020

Our wonderful & dearest Aunt & GodMother (Karen) was always a wonderful, caring & loving person inside & out.
We will always treasure the wonderful memories & times & conversations we have shared with our Aunt & Godmother (Karen) all these years.
We are so grateful to have known her & for being a wonderful Aunt & GodMother, Mom, Sister & Sister-In-Law & Niece & Cousin & best friend.
She always cared & helped others.
She is loved & deeply missed by us all.
She will always be forever in our hearts & around us.
She will no longer be in pain & no longer suffering.
She will always be our guardian Angel, looking down & guide us all.
May she Rest In Peace.
We Love You Always Lots, Lots, Lots, More.
Connie (Consuelo Maria Mata) & Andy (Andrew H Lopez) 💔🙏🏻💔🙏🏻💔🙏🏻😢😢

Louis M. Mata

December 20, 2020

Karen was a most wonderful sister and my Guardian Angel. She by, a living example, and on a daily basis, displayed what a Social Worker should be. She was a true living example of St. Mother Teresa to everyone she came in contact with. My sister will be truly missed, but as long as I keep her in my thoughts, my mind and in my heart she will be with me always. Her Brother Louis M. Mata.

FROM THE FAMILY