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BORN
1936
DIED
2017
Karen Lavery Obituary
She saw downtown change from a vibrant city center to an area of neglect with empty businesses and vacant lots. Neglect bothered Karen, and for over 30 years she made it her personal mission to restore downtown Fairbanks, establishing the Downtown Association of Fairbanks. She contributed to Downtown Transportation Center, Marriott Hotel, Bridge of Flags, Clay Street Cemetery, refurbishing Historic Fairbanks City Hall Museum, summer and winter solstice celebrations, construction of Fairbanks Community Health Center and the City Utilidor project. Karen also ran two businesses, Heritage House and the Lavery Building, and served on many boards; Breast Cancer Detection Center, Carlson Center and the Private Industry Council.
Karen was recognized at the city and state levels for her tireless efforts to promote and restore the quality of life and enhance the overall downtown business atmosphere. Upon her passing, a friend and colleague said to me, "Your mother was an inspiration to me when it came to being courageous in your beliefs. Karen always believed in the good in people and that everyone can make a difference." This was so true not only in her professional life but also in her personal life. She was an avid reader, liked politics, and loved family dinners and time spent with her grandchildren.
She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Lori Loud; her grandchildren,Tyler and Carmel Loud; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Billie Menefee, and their daughter, Ramie Ellis Walker, and her four children; and Larry and Barbara Garcia, and their daughter, Danielle; her significant other, Lynn Vogler; and her dear friends of 77 years, Betsy and Bert Sharp.
A service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church,1030 Second Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701. A reception will be held immediately afterward at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in the Binkley Room, 1850 Hoselton Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
In a lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Interior Alaska Cancer Association, P.O. Box 80063, Fairbanks AK 99708.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Lavery
Russell Kitchner
March 5, 2022
I happened upon a photo of Lavery´s store that my father took while living and working in Alaska between 1937 and 1941. Ms. Lavery must have been a remarkable woman, and I wish I had met her during my visits there.
Jo Ryman Scott
October 24, 2017
I always had the deepest appreciation for Karen and her dedication to keeping Fairbanks a wonderful place to live. She will never be forgotten.
From Jo Ryman Scott
Fellowship Square
Tucson, AZ
October 24, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Lavery family during this difficult time. I hope you all can find comfort in a promise made at Jeremiah 29:12,13.
John Ritter
October 21, 2017
Even though we ars sad at Karen's physical absence.We know she simply went ahead into loveing arms of Jesus . Where all who have Jesus as there lord and savior will abide forever with him . In that we rejoice . With sincere prayers for Gods healing , peace,comfort and blessings . Your friend and brother in Christ . John Ritter
Aino Welch
October 20, 2017
I believe that when we keep our loved ones at the forefront of our minds, we never really lose them.Keep sharing memories, pictures and those things learned from Karen. Karen will live on forever in all the people she touched and interacted with over her life. They in turn will pass a bit of her on as they share the lessons she taught by example, deed and action. Prayers for the family!
Bill Lavery
October 20, 2017
We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother (Karen our cousin). Grief can be so hard but our loving memories can help
us cope. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you.
Mary Jo Montoya/Bill Lavery
Debra McFarland
October 19, 2017
Karen had been both a client and a friend to me. I have know her for 26 years.
In that time she showed me kindness, genuine concern, and made me feel always welcome in her home.
If you knew Karen, you knew that she loved her country, Alaska, her community, her friends, and her family, which included of course her four-legged children!
I loved her and will miss seeing her.
Karen had faith in God, and she is in His care now.
My love to her family and friends, and with much love to you Karen.
Debra McFarland
October 19, 2017
Lynn our condolences to you and family
Tom and Theresa Favero
October 19, 2017
I'm so sorry to Lynn and Karen Family.Losing people in our life is so hard. I'm in Arizona please know my thought and Prayers are with each of you. Jill Nash
J F
October 19, 2017
I am sorry to hear about Karen. As the days pass missing her will be greater at times but with the many prayers and thoughts from all will help you get through the difficult days ahead.
May the God who binds up the brokenhearted comfort all who mourn sustain your family.
Isaiah 61: 1,2
- with heartfelt sympathy
Tanya OBrien
October 18, 2017
I am very saddened by the loss of a fine woman who loved her community and worked hard to help make Fairbanks a better place to live. Karen's work ethic was to be envied. My late husband had the utmost respect for Karen and her significant other Lynn, and enjoyed when they came into any of his eating establishments where they could share stories of "old Fairbanks". My condolences to the family and I know she will be remembered fondly but those that know what she accomplished for her hometown.
Tanya O'Brien
Diane Fleeks
October 18, 2017
I met Karen when I was a volunteer, and later on the Board of Directors, for the Fairbanks Community Museum. It was her stewardship that kept the FCM a viable operation for several years. My condolences to her family and friends.
October 18, 2017
Karen was a special lady. My thoughts and condolences to you all. Blessings, Rhonda Casey
Jim Whitaker
October 18, 2017
Karen Lavery will always be thought of as among the very strongest of advocates and supporters of Fairbanks. She will be missed. Her relentless approach resulted in many, many improvements to our community. I respected and admired her greatly. She left this place better than she found it. Rest in peace Karen, you did your part.
Kenny Kendall
October 18, 2017
My most sincere condolences to Karen's family.
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