Karen Ann Kirk

Karen Ann Kirk of Palm Beach Gardens passed away leaving her loving family husband John K. Oakes, son David Kirk Tachibana, step-daughter Linda Brown Pruitt (Eric), granddaughters Sarah Pruitt and Holly Pruitt. She was predeceased by husband Arthur F. Brown.

The only child of John and Ann Kirk, Karen, was raised in Short Hills and Lake Mohawk New Jersey. She graduated from Millburn High School and earned a B.A. from the College of St. Elizabeth, an M.A. from Cornell University and a PH.D. from the University of Miami.

For the next twenty years Karen was a professor of Miami-Dade College working in Guidance and Counseling, Research, Grant Writing, Course Development and helping students with disabilities.

For this last endeavor Karen received an award presented by then President Gerald Ford for her adaptation of a televised humanities series which provided accessibility to deaf and blind students.

Upon retirement Karen moved to Tequesta Florida and continued to follow her other muse inherited from her father, a builder in New Jersey. She designed, built, and remodeled homes and began a successful real estate career.

Karen wishes to express gratitude to her family, friends, classmates, students, co-workers, and clients for their generous kindness throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Smile Train which will be matched 4 to 1 by Karen family. Smile Train P.O. Box 96246, Washington, DC 20090-6246.