Karen G. Klingensmith

As I have written to Evan and Glenn, Karen was one of my favorite classmates at Mount Holyoke College from 1967 to 1971. She was one of the first people I met and gave me hours of enjoyable chats over the course of the four years. I will never forget her wonderful smile, her zest for life, or her warm heart. Everyone who knew Karen even briefly will long remember her dancing eyes, her keen sense of humor, and her intellectual gifts and common sense.

I am so sorry that I did not...

Glenn and Evan, I just learned of your mom's passing in the Mount Holyoke Alumnae Quarterly. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I haven't seen your mom since our college days, but I remember her well and fondly. I think we took all of the same English classes. She was smart and down to earth with a great sense of humor - much needed in those challenging courses!

My sympathy to you and your family.

Mary Gale, MHC '71

Dear Glenn and Evan ~ I was saddened to recently learn of your Mom's death and want to offer you and yours my deepest sympathy. Glenn - I'm not quite sure how your Mom and I first met - whether it was my connection to you at GHS (where you so often and so kindly helped me out with many computer questions!) or when your Mom and I served together on the Youth and Family Services Board. I always had such great respect and admiration for her and for her strong commitment to our town, especially...

Karen's parents, Florence and Ken, built their comfortable brick home around 1960 across the road from our Dayton Road house. I remember the buzz in the neighborhood, about the new family coming in. It seemed too good to be true that there'd be a girl my age and she even came with a little brother for my younger brother to play with.(that's you, Keith). In those days, kids were sent outside to "play" without further instructions, until the various bells or mom calls rang out into the dusk...

Glenn and Evan - I was very sorry to hear about your mom. I was a classmate of hers in high school and took her to our senior ball. She always had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh but also a tremendous sense of committment to the things in which she believed. It is so sad to lose someone that young but I believe you will be able to feel her presence with you whenever you need it for as long as you both live. My best to you both.

My heart is broken. The last time I saw Karen was at our grandparents' house, over 40 years ago. Even though our paths took us in very different directions, I always regretted not having gotten to know her as a vibrant adult, a wife and loving mother. She was kind enough to offer her condolences when my father, her Uncle Tom, died a few years ago. I will always wonder about the blessing her friendship would have been. My heart goes out to Evan, Glenn and my cousin Keith. I will keep...

Dear Evan and Glenn,
Your mother was one of those rare human beings who made everyone feel like family. Hold your memories close and embrace the love of family and friends. Reaching out in love,
Mrs. Merwin

Glenn and Evan, I am so sorry for your loss. You mother was a role model for me in so many ways. Her keen intellect, love for education and devotion to you both was so evident. I admired her hard work on the Board of Education. She made many lasting contributions to the educational system in Glastonbury.

Karen and I were close friends as young girls... I have many fond memories of our times together and am greatly saddened by this tragic loss... I send my deepest sympathy to her family. May God Bless you all... Carol Newton