Karen peacefully passed away today at 2pm.  She very recently learned of her having Stage 4 Stomach Cancer. 

Although it seems like this kind of news is becoming more frequent, these emails to share with you about each loss are not becoming any easier.  Each is just so special in their own way and it always weighs heavy on my heart.

What you should know about Karen...

-kindergarten teacher

-54 years old

-kind soul

-sweet voice 

-dance lover

-committed, graceful and dainty

-friend to everyone

-the darkest hair and the softest skin

-part of our TwirlTheGirl formation team

Karen has been part of TwirlTheGirl for most of our 12 years here in RI.  She inspired others, like Doug Radle, to come dance with us and she has been part of our "regular" dance community for some time.  Always smiling, the first to show up and help, Karen never complained about a thing. 

Having Karen as a member of our Fall/Winter WCS Team was a treat for us all!  She was there every week, practiced her heart out, grew as a dancer and just shined during the performances.  What a glow on her!

This past New Year's we all attended the local New Year's Dancing Eve event.  I have NEVER seen Karen look so spectacular and sparkle like she did on that given New Year's Eve!  Something was in the air for her that night!  I told her a millions times, even emailed her about it, and called her from Palm Springs to remind her what a "show stopper" she was!  This is the last memory I choose to remember of our favorite Karen.

To all of you that had the delight to know, talk with or dance with Karen, life does not get any richer than that.  If you never knew Karen, there is a friend or teacher nearby that will be picking up where she left off holding that torch of light, sweetness and greatness.  We all want to be around people like Karen.

With love,

Jennifer