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Karen Gorman Obituary
Karen Giesen Gorman
January 11, 1938-December 2, 2022
Karen Giesen Gorman, age 84, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2022, in Ogden, Utah.
Karen was born on January 11, 1938, in Mason City, Iowa to Margaret and Donald Giesen. After Karen graduated from Mason City Junior College in 1958, she went on to receive degrees from the University of Iowa, University of Bridgeport, and Fordham University. Much of Karen's professional career was spent as a teacher and social worker/family therapist.
Karen will be remembered for her love and skill with horses, her work with court-referred adolescent boys, and her love of travel, outdoor adventure, painting, and writing. As an artist she received awards and sold many of her acrylics and watercolor paintings. She published Watermelon and Wool, a collection of her paintings, essays, and short stories. At midlife, Karen discovered Zen meditation which she continued to practice throughout her life, along with continuing her devotion to her Catholic roots.
Karen was predeceased by her husband Thomas Gorman, her parents Donald and Margaret Giesen, and her sisters Ann Zeleznock and Jean Vajgert. She is survived by her children James Gorman and Jennifer Pinkas, their spouses, and her five grandchildren.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Gorman
Inger Hellstrom
December 29, 2022
I belonged to a writing group Karen organized in Greenwich and remember with fondness her enthusiasm and energy as both a painter and a writer. I have a beautiful picture of hers on one of my walls to remember her by. I'm so sad that she's gone.
Tina and Paul Tholen
December 16, 2022
Dear Jennifer and Jim, we were so sorry to hear of your wonderful mother´s passing. Karen was such an inspiration to those around her, spearheading the writing group in Greenwich, which our mother so enjoyed! Her gorgeous paintings that inspired others to pick up the paint brush. She was truly special. We send our heartfelt condolences to you both and your families.
Tina and Paul Tholen
Kathy Hayes
December 11, 2022
Love you Aunt Karen. You were the best Godmother and friend to me and I will always cherish the memories.
Love, your Goddaughter, Kathy
Margaret Boehm
December 11, 2022
She was a gracious, kind, savvy, and lovely woman. I knew her in Connecticut and New York and treasured her advice.
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Karol Partridge
December 10, 2022
Dear Jen and Jim, I wrote an email on Karen's address to my brother Joe as we have no address for either of you. Joe Kueper and I are first cousins and I grew up with Karen and her sisters, having spent years in Calmar during the war years. It is so hard to lose your mother, especially one as involved, beautiful and vivacious as Karen. I deeply morn her death and send condolences to you and your family, Karol Partridge, Ottawa , Canada
Deborah Corrente
December 10, 2022
Mrs. Gorman was my teacher in Baker School, Darien Ct. She was a wonderful teacher.
Gordon Fleckenstein
December 9, 2022
Karen and I go way back to 5th grade at St. Joseph's Elementary in Mason City, Iowa. Karen and I were dance partners in school play. She grew up to be just as beautiful as she was to me in 5th grade. My condolenses. Gordon Fleckenstein
Lee & Skip Murdoch
December 9, 2022
Dear Jim and Jen... so very sorry to hear!
We shared so many wonderful memories!
My deepest sympathy to you all.
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