Karen Mae Eng Putt

Karen was born to James Wah Eng and Mae Har Eng (née Lee) on October 11, 1953. The family, including younger siblings Sharon and Alan, moved to Potomac, Maryland, in 1968. She attended Winston Churchill High School (class of 1971) and the University of Maryland (class of 1975). She retired from the Department of Justice US Attorney’s Office in 2022.

She raised two daughters, Kristi and Melanie, in Silver Spring, Maryland, before moving to Elkridge, Maryland in 2000 with her husband Douglas Earl Putt, and their children Rebecca (Rebekah) and Douglas.

She enjoyed dancing (including competitive dancing), singing, going on dates, walks with Allie, Christmas, spending time with loved ones, building bridges with new loved ones, word games, wine, music (especially live music), giving the best hugs, sunshine, the beach, and convertibles. Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Doug, children Kristi Lee Kelly (& Nathan Kelly), Rebekah Piatt (& Trevor Piatt), Douglas James Bass-Putt (& Noa Bass-Putt), granddaughter Melanie Jude Bass-Putt, mother Mae Har Eng, sister Sharon Moskowitz (& Craig Moskowitz), sister-in-law Lory Eng, mother-in-law Nancy Putt, stepdaughter Heather Putt and step-grandchildren Christopher, Evelyn, Liam and Blake Kye, stepson James Putt, and many nieces and nephews, friends who called her family and family that called her friend, and Allie the mischievous pup.

The family is deeply saddened by the loss, but takes comfort knowing she will rest with her daughter Melanie Lee Easley, son-in-law Ryan Easley, brother Alan Eng and father James Eng.

Visitation will be at DeVol Funeral Home in Gaithersburg on Friday, August 10 at 10am, with services and a Celebration of Life at 11am. The family suggests that attendees wear a small touch of pink, Karen’s favorite color. The family is hosting a repast immediately following at Hong Kong Pearl Restaurant in Gaithersburg.

Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Aspen Hill on Saturday at 10am for family and close friends. Please meet at the front entrance at 9:45am.