Karen Vanderberg King

Karen Vanderberg King

Karen was born May 16, 1944 in Everett to Gloria Wilbur Vanderberg. The oldest of five children, Karen was eager to contribute to the family. While still attending school, she began her working career at age 14 when she joined her mother at Bud's Cafe. After graduation from Everett High School, Karen worked at a law firm, the Holiday Inn, and owned her own floral business with her dear friend, Diane. Karen retired from Howard Johnson Corporation, but was still contemplating her next adventure on the day she passed away.
Karen was the embodiment of family, love, charity, compassion and community. She was talented and creative, whether she was making clothes for her kids, decorating her home, or baking. She loved children and was a mentor to many. As a volunteer at Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Karen helped secure a $10,000 grant just with her simple willingness to be a part of a child's life. Eight years later she and her "little sister" remained close friends. Karen's kids and grandkids love and adore her. Every Sunday Karen would prepare an amazing brunch for Brian, Robin, Kari, Brad, Gabe, Tyler, Tanner, and anyone else who came by.
In her forties, Karen took up skiing with her husband, Chuck, and family. She made many friends on the "ski bus". She was a foster mom to two children who had been severely abused. In 1997, Wendy came into the family as an exchange student. Karen and Wendy adored each other immediately. Wendy and her family were looking forward to "Madre Karen" and Kari's visit to Veracruz this September.
In her fifties, Karen decided to fulfill a life dream of becoming a flight attendant. She applied and was accepted along with ten other people nation wide. She temporarily relocated to Nevada and was successful in her endeavor. However, a family issue arose and Karen chose to leave her adventure and return to Everett to take care of her family.
Karen and Chuck built a life and family together; it was their home and garden they took so much pride in and loved sharing both with others. Karen and Chuck traveled often and enjoyed their time together. They loved to visit family in Arizona, California and Alaska. Despite being a vegetarian, Karen caught a Silver Salmon in Alaska that impressed everyone.
Karen will be joining many loving family members in Heaven, including Aunt Dot, who was like a second mother, Aunt Josie, Aunt Betty; her dear friend, Shirley; brother, Lanny; and her beloved mother, Gloria, who passed away in 2006. The number of family and friends who were close to Karen are too numerous to count. Gail, Gloria, Dan, and Lanny's wife Cathy are Karen's siblings left here on Earth to grieve the loss and remember their wonderful sister.
We are overwhelmed by the support from our family, friends, firefighter family and our community in the sudden loss of Karen. We invite you all to join us for her memorial at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 27, at New Life Center, at 6830 Highland Drive in Everett. Following the memorial, will share memories of Karen during the reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Seattle Children's Hospital, Uncompensated Care Fund, or your favorite local charity.