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Karen Kennedy Obituary
Karen was an athlete her whole life. In high school she participated in swimming, basketball and cross-country running, lettering in all three sports. She attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks majoring in English/Office, and started bodybuilding and long-distance running. She was a life guard during high school and in college.
After college Karen moved back to California. Bodybuilding became her hobby and she started entering contests in 1980. She won second place in the 1980 Ms. Western America competition. She retired shortly after due to marriage and then pregnancy.
Karen moved back to Juneau permanently in 1991. She was mostly a stay-at-home mother to her two children, but also continued to work as a personal trainer through out the years until her death.
Aside from her passion for physical fitness, she enjoyed arts and crafts, walking her dog Lola, and especially spending time with her four grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter Jessica (Ty) Thomson and son Nik Reis of Juneau; grandchildren Trevor Thomson, Roxy Symons, Jaxon Reis and Colby Thomson, all of Juneau; sisters Kathryn Kennedy King and Colleen (Bryan) Kautz of Juneau; brother James "Jay" Kennedy of Anchorage; former husband and father of her children Bob Reis of Lincoln, NE; aunts Carol Geanoulis of Juneau and Grace Hawkes of San Diego, CA; uncle Chuck Treadwell of Palo Alto, CA; cousins Steve Geanoulis (Erin McGinnis) of Juneau, Lugh Powers of Los Angeles, CA, Susan Rackley of San Diego, CA, and Donna Love of Madison, WI; niece Jayne Deatherage of Anchorage; nephews David Kennedy and James "JT" Kennedy of Anchorage.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Alaska Chapter (www.afsp.org), or the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Juneau Affiliate (www.ncaddjuneau.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Kennedy
Amy Morgan
July 11, 2012
Nik, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I was lucky to have crossed paths with Karen. She was a selfless, funny and deeply caring woman. She was so kind to me and my family; she had an enormous heart. I am so sad to hear she left this world too soon. I hope you find comfort & peace, with the memories of her & her beautiful smile.
July 4, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 46:1 says: God is for us a refuge and strength during this difficult time and may God grant you the comfort to endure.
Mary Gemmer
July 2, 2012
My sincere condolences of prayers go out to all of you. I knew Karen in Junior and High School graduating the same class. May Gods love surround and embrace you.
Mary ( Gemmer )
Ron Dean
June 26, 2012
Karen, you touched so many lives.
We will all miss you
Roxanne Klinkhammer Pierce
June 25, 2012
I am sending my condolences to Karen's family. I remember her fondly from our High School days.
Jessie Scally
June 25, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the whole family. I played basketball with Karen in high school and remember her as a hardworking athlete with a quick smile and quirky sense of humor. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Arnie S
June 11, 2012
So Sorry to hear Nik. We feel for ya.
Janie Kay & Nick Goodrum
June 10, 2012
" Our hearts, thoughts , & prayers are with you "
Barbara Franks
May 29, 2012
My condolences to the friends and family. /Barb Franks
Colleen (Zeke) Kennedy Kautz
May 26, 2012
Thank you all for posting your
memories and kind words. I know most of you or remember you from my childhood. We love hearing about how and when you knew Karen. Thank you.
Chris (Kelly) Blanchfield
May 25, 2012
Colleen,
I just found out about Karen when I checked the Empire website. My heart goes out to you and your family. I haven't seen Karen in years but I have many memories of her from the early 90's when you and your family welcomed me so warmly into the wonderful Kennedy clan! You will all be in my thoughts.
JoLe (Johnson) & KC Wilson
May 22, 2012
We just arrived in town yesterday and heard about Karen. We are so sorry and we send her family our condolences. Both my husband and I knew her during High School. I was her "twin" as we looked so alike everyone said. We were inseparable during that time but lost touch over the years, although we were able to catch up with her off and on when we were in Juneau. She will be missed.
Kelly Miller
May 18, 2012
Karen, the class of JDHS 75 will miss you. Hope to see you again again on the other side.
Kelly Miller
May 17, 2012
Jessica and Nik, Deepest sympathy to the whole family. Karen is gone but not forgotten. She is in our hearts,mind and thoughts daily. We miss her. Psalms 94:19-When my disquieting thoughts becme many inside of me, Your own consolations began to fondle my soul. I hope these words form God will bring you some comfort. 2 Co 1:3- God of comfort. Thoughts and prayers to the family. The Brown's
Linnea Hansen
May 15, 2012
Colleen: I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you and your family.
Linnea Hansen
Regan Tweedy
May 15, 2012
I knew Karen for many years and she was a thoughtful person with a keen sense of humor. My condolences to her family and friends, especially Jessica and Nik. Rest peacefully with a glimmer in your eye Karen!
John Chapman
May 15, 2012
Karen was a very kind and talented lady. She had a great laugh and creative mind. I will miss you. John Chapman Juneau, AK
Colleen (Zeke)
May 15, 2012
Thank you all for the kind words about my sister Karen, your messages are comforting.
Richard
May 15, 2012
Although I did'nt have the pleasure of knowing Karen very long, she always treated me like she had know me her whole life. Karen was always very kind and made a special place in my heart by giving me the only Christmas card I have ever recieved from anyone outside of family. That simple gesture touched my heart and she will always be remembered.
Kerin & Richard
May 14, 2012
We send our sincere condolences to the family of Karen. She was a fellow neighbor at our home in the Mountain View Apartments and she will be missed by many. Karen's bright smile and gentle nature will always be remembered by all of us whose lives were touched by her. May she rest in peace.
Laurie Onstott
May 14, 2012
Rest in Peace my Friend. Spread some of that sunshine up in Heaven.
Marge Stichler Chalker
May 14, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family. Karen always brought sunshine to a cloudy day!
Frank Harju
May 14, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family at this time.
Marjie wagner
May 13, 2012
Colleen, I am so sorry for this incredible loss. You are in my heart and thoughts.
Marjie Wagner
Richard Washington
May 13, 2012
Quite a wonderful spirit, I'm glad I had the opportunity to befriend her, she was always doing funny things when I knew her. A terrible loss and my condolences to the family.
Richard Washington, Phoenix
Miriam Burke
May 12, 2012
Karen, "I know you will be missed by many " I will always cherish ure talents I happy I got to spend with you while you did your art we will miss you? bless your family
May 12, 2012
Kathy,Colleen, family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss of Karen. My condolences to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Marti (Ward) Bernardez
May 12, 2012
I remember Karen as a dancer. She and her boyfriend used to enter dance contests in the late 70s early 80s disco was the word! They always took first place, man she could really move.
Deina Davis
May 12, 2012
My deepest sympathies for the family. I feel blessed to have known Karen she was a beautiful, spiritual, insightful and generous person. Rest in peace Karen.
May 12, 2012
Karen will be missed by so many.
May 11, 2012
Condolences to the family during this difficult time. My memory of working with Karen at the AGB pool in the '70's is filled with her sense of humor and always-present smile.
May 11, 2012
Condolences to the family during this difficult time. My memory of working with Karen at the AGB pool in the '70's is filled with her sense of humor and always-present smile.
May 11, 2012
Please accept my condolences during this time of sorrow.
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