Karen Van Buren Sanger

1953 - 2025

Karen Van Buren Sanger, age 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love, on November 25. Karen carried her kindness, grace, compassion, and love of beauty through to her final moments.

Born on May 25, 1953, to Martin and Jeanne Van Buren, Karen grew up in Lockport, Illinois with her sister Cheryl. A graduate of Lockport Township High School's Class of 1971, she later attended Southern Illinois University to study art and education before moving to Fair Oaks, California, to pursue further studies at Rudolf Steiner College.

Inspired by the arrival of Evan, her pride and joy, Karen pivoted to open Baby Bunz & Company, a business offering natural, thoughtfully made baby products. She spent her later years in Lynden, Washington, where she lived with her husband Jimmy. A talented artist, she found joy and expression in drawing and pastels, creating works that reflected her vibrant spirit. Her creativity was matched only by her warmth and her love of sweets - a small delight she savored throughout her life.

Karen's legacy reflects her creative spirit, mindful attention to life's details, and remarkable resilience. She will be profoundly missed by her husband of 30 years, Jimmy Sanger; her son Evan and Carly Marcus; her sister Cheryl Vander Kooi; her niece Susan Vander Kooi; and her nephew Daniel Vander Kooi and his wife Erin, along with their children Taya, Case, and Blake.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in honor of Karen's journey and in hope of better treatments for future families.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.