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Karen Simonetti Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Karen Simonetti
Roy Levine
August 2, 2025
It´s been 20 years since I lost my only sister Karen. This was a tremendous loss and I think of her often and the memories of us growing up.
Robin Faraday
May 13, 2023
I think of Karen often. She was an amazing and unique person. I miss her.
Robin Faraday
November 1, 2022
I often think of Karen and remember the great times we had together lifting weights and baking cookies.
john
May 9, 2006
hard to believe it has almost been a year. karen, i'm still quit. still remembering you.
Alan Morris
June 2, 2005
I am Karen's mother's first cousin. It is tragic that Karen has passed away after defeating her Hodgkins Disease. My deepest condolensces to Devra and Roy.
Judith Ridge
May 31, 2005
I met Karen Sue on the child_lit and adbooks children's literature listserves. She was one of the funniest, most passionate women I have ever had the privilege to "meet", even though we never met in person. I will miss her astounding research abilities, her inability to sign off without adding just one more thought, her great good humour and grace, her complete dedication to bringing young people and books together. Vale, dearest Karen Sue. You are missed world wide.
Ann VanKoughnet
May 28, 2005
I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful friend. Karen aka goodnightgracie was a wonderful quit buddie and I will miss her words of encouragement and her gentle way. good night gracie xoxo Annie26 much love my friend
PAUL CASTRO
May 28, 2005
I KNEW AND MET KAREN IN THE CONFINES OF THE SHOE STORE WHERE I WORK, AND WHEN HER MOM STOPPED BY THE STORE TO INFORM ME OF HER PASSING I WAS TRULY TOUCHED AND SADDENED BY THE NEWS.KAREN AND HER MOM WOULD STOP BY THE STORE ,SOMETIMES TOGETHER AND SOMETIMES SEPERATELY BUT ALWAYS WITH A SMILE ON THEIR FACES AND IT MEANT ALOT TO ME WHEN THEY WOULD SHARE THEIR STORIES(AND FRIENDS)WITH ME.I NEW KAREN ONLY BRIEFLY AND IN FLEETING MOMENTS, BUT I CAN TELL YOU WITH CERTAINTY THAT HER HUMOUR, CONCERN FOR OTHER PEOPLE AND MOST OF ALL HER BRAVERY HAS ALWAYS SHONE THROUGH. I'LL MISS KAREN VERY MUCH . MY CONDOLENCES TO KAREN'S SURVIVING FAMILY ESPECIALLY DEVRA JACOBSON WHO WAS ALWAYS SO KIND TO KEEP ME INFORMED OF KAREN'S CONDITION.
Maurice Sonnenwirth
May 27, 2005
I knew Karen Sue when we were both 15 and spent time together in Israel. We renewed our friendship over the past 10 years, and I always told her she had a special place in my heart, which she always will. Karen was funny, vivacious and smart, all in one. I looked forward to her emails, as she would always bring a smile to me with something she'd write.
I'm deeply saddened for your loss. I hope you find some comfort in how Karen Sue brightened up the world in spite of her own difficulties and illness, touched so many and made such an impression in the world.
kerry mockler
May 26, 2005
i am heartbroken at this loss of a much-valued and loved child_lit friend. i've had karen sue and her family and friends (especially her often-mentioned and obviously much-loved amazing mom devra) in my thoughts and heart since i heard of her passing.
Cathy Norman
May 25, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with Karen Sue's family and friends. She will be remembered and missed.
Molly Miller-Davidson
May 25, 2005
Many of Karen's children's lit friends and family members didn't know that Karen had recently crossed over into the business book world, too. Today I found out from our mutual friend that, sadly, Karen didn't know that she was officially acknowledged on our upcoming book's Thank You list for all of her wonderful, thoughtful help. Yet, even though her name on the list was going to be a surprise, I beleive she somehow knows... and for that I am thankful.
Karen, it feels like I knew you personally across the miles... and I know how much you will be missed by many who loved you. My sympathy to all.
jeb stewart
May 24, 2005
i met karen over 422 days ago on an internet smoking cessation site. after 2 failed attempts at quitting she found me and dragged me back to my feet, calmly showing me the way out of my addiction. i will always love her for that! she was bubbly, fun and always supportive.
i met her mother, devra, and soon found out where karens' wild energy came from. karen never faltered in her support of my quit, nor i of hers. she always new the meaning of: live life to the fullest. she will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered.
i will not loose my quit now simply because i am not ready for a karen haunting....can you imagine!!!
i love you karen, devra, and family. all my thoughts are with you.
Jane Wickenden
May 24, 2005
Dear Karen, You were like a bright kite in my sky. The string may have broken, but I know you're still up there somewhere, floating higher than we can reach just now.
I'm so glad to have known you, although only online, and to have been able to share your wit and wisdom on child_lit.
Love, and great sympathy to your family and friends.
Jane
Bob Jamieson
May 24, 2005
Geeezzzz . . . what a shock . . .
No matter how many times we suffer the loss of a friend, it's never something we get completely over.
My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Shirley Rovens
May 22, 2005
Devra: My thoughts, my heart, all my current tears are with you.
Sending love and hugs thru cyberspace.
Shirley
Rick Floyd
May 21, 2005
My deepest sympathy to all of Karen Sue's family and friends. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Monica Edinger
May 21, 2005
Karen Sue was a fantastic and fabulous woman--- her lively voice and intellect enriched many internet children's literature discussion groups. None will be the same without her.
Michele Fry
May 21, 2005
Like many others here, I really only knew Karen Sue as a result of the Child_Lit list, and a few personal emails she sent me (I recall the last one I had was asking for some recommendations for books to read during Karen Sue's latest hospital visit)... I felt honoured she had asked my advice, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her messages. It was very hard to believe that she was ill, since her emails were always full of life and passion... Her passing will be mourned by all who knew her and the world seems a slightly less bright place now.
Michele Fry
Julius Lester
May 20, 2005
I will miss Karen Sue's presence on Child_Lit.
Marty & Carolyn Morris
May 20, 2005
It has been quite awhile - too long - since talking and so very sorry that it took Karen's passing to bring us together. Our most sincere condolensces on her passing.
Sharon Levin
May 20, 2005
I, too, only knew Karen Sue through the children's lit list serve and am so glad for the availability of the list, since I got to know Karen Sue at least a little, virtually.
Her comments always showed a warmth and sharp wit that shone even through the impersonality of black and white text on a computer screen. She will be sorely missed
Sharon Schneeberger
May 20, 2005
I knew Karen through the Children Literature List. Whenever I saw her name, I looked forward to reading her thoughtful and provocative comments. I will miss her.
Jean Mendoza
May 20, 2005
Karen Sue and I corresponded on and off the child_lit listserv a few years ago. She was always delightful, and yet she had a way of reminding us what was truly important. She's going to be deeply missed.
Clare Hitchens
May 20, 2005
Karen Sue was a wonderful friend to me from the children's literature listservs. Her enthusiasm and her wit brightened many a day. My condolences to her family -- we will miss her.
Elizabeth Bluemle
May 19, 2005
I knew Karen Sue only through children's literature listservs, where her posts were spirited, funny, thoughtful, and worthwhile. I did not know she was ill, and will miss her lively presence in our discussions. Please accept my condolences and sorrow for your loss.
Ron Copsetta
May 19, 2005
Karen Sue was loved by many of us.
She will be missed, but remembered fondly.
Adrienne and Howard Hurwitz
May 19, 2005
Dear Devie and Roy,
Please accept our condonences on your loss. Adrienne and Howard
Jeffrey Canton
May 19, 2005
Karen Sue was a thoughtful and provocative presence on Childlit -- I found her verve and passion for all things connected to children's literature an inspiration that I will miss.
Judi Dallon
May 19, 2005
My sincere sympathy to Karen's family and many friends. Peace.
Russ Shoemaker
May 19, 2005
Karen was and will be remembered as a truly brave and remarkable woman.
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