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1951
2013
KAREN LYNN SEVALY Karen Lynn Sevaly passed away Sept. 21, 2013 with her husband Richard by her side. Karen was born Karen Lynn Blount on March 1, 1951 to Anita and Howard Blount of Riverside, CA. Her passing was unexpected and sudden. Karen and Richard met in high school and were married in 1969 at 18 years old. Their two sons were born in 1971 and 1973. James and Robert were raised in Riverside and Moreno Valley, CA and have remained very close as a family. Karen helped Richard through college and graduate school. Richard began teaching in 1973. Karen was hired by the same school district a couple years later as a graphic artist. Ten years later, Karen's always present energy, creativeness and entrepreneurial spirit enabled her to launch Teacher's Friend Publications, Inc. Her concept of writing creative books for elementary teachers was an instant success. Her publishing business took off and within the first year all loans were repaid in full. Anita Blount, Karen's mother was instrumental in the growing years of Teacher's Friend Publications. She proof read books, acted as bookkeeper and handled customer service. Karen eventually hired her sister Janie Harvey and sister-in-law Sally Sevaly as customer service agents as the business grew. Karen ran this business for twenty years. Her husband joined her full time in the business in 1991. Scholastic Inc. purchased teacher's Friend Inc. in 2002 and Karen and Richard worked for Scholastic for five more years before retiring. Karen wrote and produced more than 2,000 products for the educational market during her career making many life-long friends. Karen's books and products are still enjoyed by elementary children today. Karen was a loving wife, mother and daughter all of her life. She loved her family, church and her time in the publishing industry. Karen is survived by her husband Richard; sons James and Robert; grandson Evan; her mother Anita Blount and her sister Janie Harvey; among many other extended family members. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, October 6, for family and some very close friends.
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4 Entries
I'm so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I truly enjoyed working with her. What a sweet and kind woman.
Jennifer Dodson
June 7, 2018
I remember Mrs. Sevaly coming to our classroom in 4th or 5th grade at Pedley Elementary. She drew a beautiful western scene in chalk. I am 51 and remember it vividly.
As a result I was inspired by color, and just wish to mention although are interaction was brief.. It has stayed with me a lifetime.
Dawn Livesay (Smoot)
May 5, 2015
I always enjoyed Karen's smiling face and happy words. I knew Karen professionally; I bought her Teachers' Friend books and materials to sell in my store, Young Scholar. Karen even drew our store logo for us back when we were both getting our businesses started.
One thing I will always remember that Karen taught me. When she published her first Monthly Idea Book, there were many other monthly and seasonal idea books, but she taught me there is always room at the top. Competition is fierce at the bottom, but there are always openings for attractive, usable, affordable opportunities at the top. And her materials were tops.
Richard, I wish you and her family well.
Les Simons
July 28, 2014
I remember spending time with Richard and Karen in there beach house in San Diego for our summer family vacations. Karen was so sweet, loving and kind. I remember loving her instantly. She was like another grandma to me and my siblings. When my dad called me and told me what happened I was driving in my car, luckily I was close to my destination because I pulled over and just sobbed. She was such an incredible woman and meant so much to me. Her and Richard have the type of relationship I long for. I remember watching them and seeing how in love with each other they were. Such great examples of love and kindness and what marriage should be. Thank you for the summers in San Diego. Baseball games and the beach is how I will always remember you! I love you Karen!
Love Beth Stuart
Beth Stuart
October 3, 2013
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