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Karen Svendsen Obituary
Sunnyvale and Cupertino
Karen Ann Svendsen, 78, died August 22, 2018 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 24, 1939 to Norman and Gladys Richards, and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Karen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught elementary school for several years in Hartford, Connecticut, Denver, Colorado and San Jose, California.
She married Harold (Hal) Svendsen on June 28, 1969. They lived in Sunnyvale for over 40 years before moving to The Forum in Cupertino in 2016. She was the Office Manager for a property management company for many years. Karen and Hal traveled extensively with the Sunnyvale Seniors to over 30 countries and five continents. They enjoyed skiing, backpacking, hiking and bicycling.
Karen made many lasting friendships as a founding member of the Sunnyvale Garden Club and as a member of two bridge groups.
She is survived by her husband Hal of 49 years, her sister Norma Brakke, nephews David and Steven Brakke and niece Susan Heim.
An informal reception for friends will be held at a later date. If you wish to make a memorial donation, please consider the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
View the online memorial for Karen Ann Svendsen
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Memories and Condolences
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1 Entry
Lola
August 30, 2018
I'm so very sorry for your great loss. I too lost a dear loved one to this dreaded disease not very long ago. Only by the grace of hospice were we able to get through the process with almost no pain and very little anxiety. Consulting the Holy Scriptures helped us all tremendously and provided our loved one and our family in general to be strengthened and comforted. I hope you can heal from this difficult chapter and be left in peace to enjoy your happy family memories. My best to you all.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14)
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