Just learning of Karen's passing. Condolences to her family and friends. I got to know Karen because my daughter Esther attended Park School for many years. Karen was a truly special person and touched so many families. We were privileged to have known her.

Holly

I don't think I can express how sad I was/am to hear of Karen's passing.  Her unwavering caring, support and patience with my son went far and beyond, and was the help he needed to finally graduate.  He had some difficulties all along the way, and the pandemic had a severe impact on him.   It was a very challenging time, and there were moments when I and my husband felt hopeless and helpless about his situation.   But Karen never, ever gave up.  She always had time to talk to us, meet with us, and lift us up with her optimism and genuineness.  Her kindness and dedication to her students touched so many.  She holds a special place in my heart, her impact on our lives will always be remembered. 

Dear Tom, Erin, and Alaina,
Karen was a dear colleague and friend in our time together at Park. I have such fond memories of her kindness, profound care for all in her orbit, intelligence and insight, and her great sense of humor. We shared many laughs and it made the intensity of working together a joy. I wore my Monet tie today in memory of Laura, and looked at my copy of My Teacher is an Alien that Erin gave me when she was little and loved to tease me. Though we haven't talked in years, I thought of Karen often, and the world is less bright without her spark in my life - even remotely. So sorry for this terrible loss. 
Love,
Erik Korvne 

Karen was a friend as well as a colleague for 14 years while we were both at the Park School. Over the years, we had many terrific conversations about students and academics. Even when she didn't have time, she made time. My fondest memories are of sitting in  her office and talking. I always felt better afterwards. I'm sure if I went in there today, I would still feel her presence.
Over the years, I saw how much she cared about students and the difference she made in all of their lives. They were incredibly lucky to have her on their side. She helped them throughout high school, in making plans for the future, and achieving their goals. She patiently shepherded many through college and scholarship applications and the (sometimes arduous) thesis process. I think many of them came to realize how much she cared for them, but I think few understood how hard she worked for them.
Karen forged strong relationships with both students and colleagues and made a difference in all of our lives. We will all miss her. 

Deepest Sympathy to the family of Karen. Keeping you all close in thoughts and prayers. Praying that your wonderful good memories of Karen will help get your through the difficult times. 

Karen and I went to school since kindergarten at George Washington School, then UCA.  We had a wonderful visit at the reunion.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  She was a truly kind woman.  I will keep her in my prayers.

I had the delight to work with Karen when I was head of Park School--particularly around the transition from Park to college.  She was such a great listener, a thoughtful  college counselor, and a collaborative colleague.  Karen and I hosted a series of alum panels for 11th graders and seniors designed to inform  the then current Park students about the joys, challenges, and inventive solutions in the college journey ahead.  When Karen invited alums in college to the first panel, the stage was overflowing with Park grads in college eager to share and reconnect with Park.  I am convinced  that Karen was a key reason why those alums showed up and why Park felt like such a family--before, during, and after those panels!  Her legacy will continue at Park for many years to come.
Don Grace

In August 2018, Mrs. Miller sent me my transcript from Park so that I could successfully enroll in college (again). Then, in September 2019, I got a request from the school for  the scores to my AP exams and reached out to Canisius College to request my transcript. As it turned out, the school needed a copy of the actual results.

I called Park and was saddened to learn that physical records are purged X number of years after commencement. Given that there was an 18 year lapse between my graduation and my ask (Park class of 2001), understandably, the original results were gone. 

A few days later, I got an e-mail from Mrs. Miller. Without telling me, she scoured the physical files just in case and found the original AP exam results.  It is not an exaggeration to say Karen Miller is the reason I graduated college. 

It struck me that 24 years after our first meeting when I was lucky enough to be her student, I was still showered with the same warmth, support, and genuine love as always. 

Every student success story was personal for her. Each student’s indiviual growth, according to their own unique goals and capabilities, was an arduous personal quest from which Mrs. Miller never shied. She was an educational warrior. She was the kindest human.  She was brave and hopeful and loving. She was always smiling. She saw only the best in everyone. 

Despite my dalliance with the character count limit of this webform, I could keep going and never truly find the words to describe Karen Miller. 

Or to thank her.

Karen was a lovely person. I appreciated her kindness and empathy. She always championed the underdog and helped people believe in themselves. I strive to match her emotional intelligence when dealing with my students. What a role model and mentor she was! She helped so many people young and old. Her memory is a blessing to me and I’m thankful to have spent so many years working with her. 💙

I had the pleasure of working with Karen for over 20 years. She was hands down the most genuine, caring, considerate, giving, "motherly" colleague I have ever encountered. She was a voice of reason in the face of adversity, an ear to listen to when needed, and a shoulder to hang my head on through many challenges. The impact that she had on so many students throughout her years as they headed off to college was unmeasurable. While we hadn't seen each other in a few years, she is the type of person that we could've picked up right where we left off like it was yesterday. My heart breaks for her kids and family. There will never be another person as kind and generous as Karen. It will be my honor and pleasure to donate to the SPCA in Karen's memory. God speed!

Karen has joyfully spent a lifetime in service to others. I have witnessed her having a stressful day, stating that there just isn’t enough time.  Then a student, a parent, or even a peer would walk into her office needing some advice or guidance or a kind word.  Karen always put on a genuine smile.  She would stop what she was working on and gave you 100% of her attention.  Karen had a way of making you feel like you are all that mattered in that moment.   It may sound like a little thing.  But it isn’t to the person that needed help and Karen understood that.  

Karen would even seek out students, teachers, and peers that she noticed were having a difficult moment.  She would stop by my office unannounced and give me a smile, a sticker, a laugh or two, and once a postcard of Edvard Munch’s art piece entitled The Scream.  That postcard made us both laugh out loud as it summed up perfectly the day we both were having. I proudly hang that postcard next to my desk to this day and turn to it when I need a smile. 

Karen was my dependable and supportive coworker. She was my work mother who kindly guided and instructed. She was my friend who would lean on me when she needed to.

I will miss Karen very much. But like so many others, knowing Karen has made me a better person.   My condolences to her family and friends.  She loved you all so very much. 

I worked with Karen at The Park School for 15 years.  She was the most dedicated, kind, and helpful counselor to all of her students. She will be remembered fondly by everyone who has had the pleasure to know her.  I am so sorry for your loss. 
Jeanette Gardon Jafari

OBITUARY

Karen R. Miller

August 3, 1951 – January 11, 2023

Wood Funeral Home

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