Karen Johnson

I still can’t believe that Karen is no longer with us! I am among the privileged few who knew Karen as both a close friend and colleague. I taught next door to her at Orono Middle School for several years. No matter what frustrations I may have encountered during the school day, Karen was always nearby to help me chill out and put things into perspective! She was a joy to be around and such a living contradiction! Though she taught German, she was fanatical about Zorongo Flamenco and must have seen them perform dozens of times! Karen was obsessive about grammatical correctness, yet was one of the most unstuffy people you would ever meet. When I moved away ten years ago, we continued to stay in touch and met whenever I was in town. I saw her as recently as Thanksgiving 2010, when we were both in northern California visiting family. She was radiant, sexy wig and all, and as positive and exuberant as ever! I am SO THANKFUL that I got to see her that one last time, sharing news and laughs galore. I will miss her quick wit and infectious laugh, keen intellect, hilarious anecdotes and her incredible beauty, both inside and out! To Karen’s family: Thank you for helping to shape her into the tremendous human being that she was. Your loss must be immeasurable. I loved her like a sister and will miss her terribly!

With love,

Helene Wise
Rosarito, Mexico

I was fortunate to teach with Karen for many years at Orono Middle School. She always had a beautiful smile for all and a warm, friendly, positive attitude. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure you have many wonderful fun memories and hope they will help comfort you.
God Bless, Linda Anderson

I met Karen during a writing class at Hamline. She was always very encouraging of other works and offered good advice for how to make others writing stronger. She was a good story teller. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of Karen to our writing community.