KAREN ELIZABETH HIGUERA

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home

On Sunday, May 15, 2011, Karen's father, Charles, reached down from Heaven and pulled his sweet daughter up to be with him. Karen was born on January 29, 1956, to Charles and Irene Higuera. From the moment they saw her, they knew she was a special child that would capture their hearts and change their lives forever. Charles and Irene devoted their lives to caring for God's special gift to them. They made sure Karen had all the love and independence she would need to be happy and content in her life. Karen was a very special person who was happiest around her family and friends. She was adored by her big sister, Susan and little brother, Jeff who would do anything to love and protect her. Her greatest fan though, was her Mother Irene, who nurtured, cared for, and laughed with her and was her very best friend until the moment her time here ended. There was no greater Mother's love than the love Irene had for Karen.

Karen was involved in Special Olympics and won several gold and bronze medals for swimming and bowling. Karen was a mentor and friend to her nieces and nephews, as well as their children. She taught them all kindness, grace and acceptance of everyone they meet. Karen was preceded in death by her loving father, Charles J. Higuera. Karen is survived by her devoted mother, Irene C. Higuera, her sister, Susan Kelley (husband E.L.), her brother Jeff Higuera (wife Julie), her nieces, Jenny Diaz (husband Pedro and children Isaac and Emily), Julie Lindstrom (husband Casey and children Taylor and Chase), Charrelle Borey (husband John and son Eli), Micah Stromstad, and her nephews Andy Stitt (wife Melynda and children Ian, Sophie and Drew), Austin Higuera (fiancee Madie), Caleb Stromstad (wife Jennifer and daughter Elli), Josiah Stromstad, and Jordan Stromstad. Karen also had many aunts, uncles, and cousins that adored her. She was an Angel that will be dearly missed.

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth

'It's time again for another birth'

Said the angels to the Lord above,

'This special child will need much love.'

'Her progress may seem very slow

Accomplishments she may not show,

And she'll require much extra care

From the folks she meets down there

She may not run or laugh or play,

Her thoughts may seem quite far away.

In many ways she won't adapt...

And she'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where she's sent.

We want her life to be content.

Please, Lord, find the parents who

Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away

The leading role they're asked to play,

But with this child sent from above

Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given

In caring for this gift from Heaven,

Their precious charge, so meek and mild

Is Heaven's very special child.'

In lieu of flowers, please support The Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) or The Children's' Developmental Center.

Graveside services to be held Friday, May 20, 2011, 1:00 p.m., at Riverview Heights Cemetery, 10th & Olympia Street in Kennewick with a reception to follow at Pasco First Christian Church, 1524 W. Marie Street.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.