Karen Ann BAHILL

BAHILL, Karen Ann (née Swain) was born December 30, 1947 in Tucson Arizona. She passed away peacefully February 7, 2017 surrounded by her family. She is no longer in pain. Karen is survived by her husband Terry; her two sons, Alex (with Tionna, Xander and Eliana) and Zach (with Stacey and Stella); her brother, Jerrold (with Lois) Swain and her brother-in-law, Larry (with Carol) Bahill. In 1969, she earned a BA in English literature and in 1990 an MA in library science both from the University of Arizona. Beta Phi Mu selected her as a member. She was a children's librarian in the Tucson-Pima library system. She was president of the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library. In 1971, she married Terry in the Newman Center in Berkeley. Karen brightened the lives of countless people through her whole life. She loved the knowledge that she gained, and the stories, characters and places that books gave to her. She brought stories to life for the many children lucky enough to attend her library, story hour readings, complete with hand puppets and voices. Over the years, Karen assisted her husband, Terry, as he authored his many technical articles and books. Her knowledge of dog breeds was extensive and her three Golden Retrievers, Peaches, Sasha and Gus gave her years of pleasure and laughter. Everywhere Karen lived, she made lifelong friends. She was wise and generously gave of herself, including time, creative ideas and efforts for schools, churches and groups committed to supporting young students. Karen always remained modest and humble. Karen loved all her family members, as they loved her, but her lovely grandchildren brought her particular joy. Fr. Greg Wiest will preside at a Memorial Mass Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in Our Lady of the Desert church at the Redemptorist Renewal Center, 7101 W. Picture Rocks Rd. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Bahill Family Scholarship www.salpointe.org/bahill-family-scholarship) at Salpointe Catholic High School. RSVP to terry@sie.arizona.edu.