Karen Marie Wilkinson

Wilkinson, Karen Marie
59, of Phoenix, compassionate and generous friend to all, resolute champion of the underdog and lover of life peacefully passed away on January 5, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. All whose lives have been touched by Karen are overwhelmed with sorrow as her life was unexpectedly cut short following an aneurysm. Born October 3, 1955 in Washington D.C., Karen is survived by her parents, Richard and Florence Wilkinson of Phoenix, her sister, Patricia Wilkinson of Ypsilanti, MI, her partner, Edgar Rowton of Phoenix and her beloved basset hound, Oliver. She is also survived by a loving extended family and a vast network of friends. Since 1999 Karen has worked as a Federal Public Defender. Her law career began in 1991 after graduating from ASU and included clerking at the US District Court and working in civil litigation at Brown and Bain. Before law school, Karen's love of the natural world lead her to serve the earth as an environmentalist. Karen also found the time to develop her talents as an accomplished musician on many instruments, hosting weekly jam sessions with a group of friends and local musicians, affectionately referred to as "The Snot Dogs". She loved the water and has also fulfilled a longstanding dream to learn to scuba dive. But no matter how full her life became, Karen always made time for family and friends, sharing her love, her joy, her beautiful smile and her homemade rhubarb pies. A memorial service and a celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Some of Karen's favorite charities include the Hospice of the Valley and The Nature Conservancy. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to place online condolences.