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Karen Usdan Obituary
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Gloria Quirarte
January 7, 2024
I learned about your passing so much later. I was struck with sadness to find out. You were indeed a unique person. I am grateful to have met you.
Gloria Quirarte Martinez
September 11, 2022
Dear Family of Karen,
Today at this very late time, I am learning of Karen's passing. Karen was my roommate in Madrid, Spain. I was a student at Swarthmore and she was in Columbia studying Film. We met through the Hamilton College Program and spend a semester on Fuencarral a main avenue in Madrid. We shared "churros y chocolate". We spent hours in our small Madrid room talking about what it was like to be American girls living in Madrid. We had a wonderful host family. I will always remember Karen as a super funny and caring person. We were friends and inseparable as we learned to live in a different city and country. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. I was going through some old pictures and letters from that time in my life. I read her letters to me and thought it would be amazing to reconnect. I looked her up in google. And, sadly what I find is this obituary. I will always remember her to be my best friend during these best times in my own life.
Mark Slavonia
November 16, 2009
Dear All -
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Karen, an old friend. Karen was a uniquely brilliant, wise and wonderful woman. I recall in particular a wonderful visit to San Francisco's MOMA shortly after it opened, with Karen and my wife. I miss her.
Jennifer Haswell
August 4, 2009
Dear Lovely Karen's Family,
It is with such shock and sympathy that I write to you. I just today learned of Karen's untimely passing when I went into the Bookloft in Great Barrington.
I had the pleasure of Karen's company and friendship over the two years we lived together at 16 Porter Road in Cambridge in the mid-90's. We shared a 5 bedroom house with 3 other women and became close. Karen and I enjoyed running and cooking together, going to films, or just piling onto the couch to chill out and watch FRIENDS. We had endless hours of conversation over our blue table in the kitchen and shared clothing.
We lost touch for many years since I moved to Europe and got married. Two summers ago I popped into the bookstore in my home town, and was so surprised and delighted to see Karen's happy face there! We exchanged phone numbers and email, but life is so busy and we didn't get together for that lunch like we had hoped.. I tried her last summer when I was back in town again and was surprised to hear nothing back, but nothing would have prepared me to hear such sad news today.
Karen was such a warm, caring, funny, energetic, sharp and beautiful soul. I will keep my happy memories of her alive. I was fortunate to have been touched by Karen.
I offer you my deepest condolences.
With love,
Jennifer (Allard) Haswell
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Deborah Tonn
January 11, 2009
Dear Family,
Karen and I met at the Bookloft (she and my partner Laurie worked together.) From day one we hit it off. At the time we met, I had just stopped working as a therapist and was newly diagnosed bipolar. Without hesitation, Karen named me "kookie-pants" and the healing began. I cannot explain it any better.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend services because of my illness. I apologize that it has taken me this long to send my condolences. I hope you understand and forgive my delay.
I want you to know that Karen's love and support made a difference in my world and my life is better for knowing her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ARTURO REBATE REY
January 7, 2009
Dear Karen´s family.
I just want to express you my condolences.
Even thought we din´t speak for a long time, she was always in my mind as a very special person. I will try to keep this memories fresh, like one of the very best persons i´ve ever met and the luckynes of her friendship.
Kim Terwilliger
August 6, 2008
Mrs. Usdan - I don't know if you remember me but Karen and I were great friends in middle and high school. We tried to stay in touch during college but distance got the better of us.
Karen was my first "cool" friend. She showed me all the fancy dance moves from the latest videos (Michael Jackson's Thriller was always a must), she showed me how to tie my LL Bean boots just so, we even snuck into your make-up bag and put on your lipstick when you were traveling. Most of all, Karen showed me what it was like to enjoy life.
In 9th grade, I conned my parents into letting me accompany Karen to visit Mr.Usdan in DC on a vacation break. I fondly remember going to a midnight showing of Rocky Horror. Boy, did we have fun.
It is with great sadness that I write this note to you. As I read all of the other entries, I realize that the Karen I knew and loved as a teen blossomed into a kind-hearted, wonderful, life-embracing adult. It doesn't surprise me to read how she was so loved and admired as a woman.
I am crushed by the news of her passing. Please accept my belated condolences. I will always have the fondest memories of my old childhood friend.
Tom Caron
August 1, 2008
Dear Tova, Rob, Jane and family,
I am heartbroken and devastated today upon hearing of Karen's passing. Karen & I were together in the mid 90's. I went to law school and got married and, unfortunately, fell out of contact. The last time I saw Karen was at a party at her Brookline apartment in the late 90's. I have often thought of Karen over the years. Karen had so many amazing qualities, among them her evident beauty, great warmth, and compassion, but also her ever-present laughter, wit, and playfulness. Karen was the kindest soul one could ever hope to meet. I will hold wonderful memories of my time with Karen forever in my heart. The world is not the same without her sunny smile and radiance. I hope you find some measure of comfort in your treasured memories of Karen.
Michelle Lyons
June 2, 2008
I'm absolutely shocked to hear of Karen's passing. I lost touch with Karen over the years but we worked, lived and holiday'd together in the mid 1990s when we both lived in Boston. I moved to London in '98 and while we stayed in touch for a couple of years, unfortunately, we lost touch. I recently got engaged and I looked her up to share the news.
She was a stunningly beautiful girl with an incredible mind and an appetite for great literature. I remember her arriving at my desk in work one day announcing she had enough of the snow so we pooled our airmiles and took off to the Cayman Islands that following weekend!
I also had my most memorable 4th of July with Karen - watching the fireworks over the Washington Monument.
My sincere sympathies to Tova and all her family for such a tragic loss.
Kind regards
Brian
April 13, 2008
To Karen's Family: I am so sorry to hear this awful news about her passing. She and I were friends in Boston, and we shared some great times together. She talked a lot about her family...whom she clearly loved so much. She was incredibly generous, caring and beautiful soul. I will miss her.
Scott Croley
February 27, 2008
I spent the summer of 1987 as a counselor with Karen at Camp Taconic. She introduced me to the music of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong. Although I hadn't seen or heard from her in 21 years, I thought of her often. Today I finally searched for her online and found this guest book and obituary. Karen was so beautiful, kind and loving. I am shocked and sorry for your loss.
Jessica Schanberg
February 7, 2008
Dear Tova and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Karen was a wonderful friend to me and a very special person. I will miss her profoundly.
Lila Cunningham
February 5, 2008
Tova, Jane and Rob - My children and I remember Karen so well as an adorable little girl and we are all shocked and deeply saddened by her death. Vern joins us in extending our deepest sympathy to all of you on your loss.
Reuben Advani
January 28, 2008
Dear Karen's Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the priviledge of working with Karen when she served as the editor of my book while at McGraw-Hill. Karen amazed me with her insights and helped add a human touch to an otherwise dull business book. I remember looking forward to our conference calls on which we would spend the bulk of the time sharing stories of travel adventures and only a few minutes chatting about the book. When she left McGraw-Hill, I reconsidered my plans to write another book knowing that I would not have the pleasure of working with her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Arnold Fege
January 28, 2008
To Michael, Jane and the Usdan family.
In this time of sadness, know that you have the beautiful memories of Karen, and the support of many friends who care and support you. You are in my thoughts and in my heart.
Arnie Fege
Cynthia Citron
January 22, 2008
Tova, I was so sorry to learn of Karen's passing. I remember her so well as a gorgeous young girl in Hartford, full of fun and life. Please know that my warmest thoughts are with you and Rob and Jane in this sad and terrible time.
Todd
January 22, 2008
Dear Karen's family, I worked with Karen at Pearson and her intelligence, humanity and kindness shined like a star. I am heartbroken. I wish I'd had a chance to say goodbye Karen.
Lynne Nadorff
January 18, 2008
To my dear Karen's family,
I am so sorry. She will really be missed. She was a loving, compassionate young woman. I am devastated by this loss. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Dean
January 18, 2008
Dear Karen's Family,
I knew Karen at Austen Riggs. She was an incredible person, often looking out for others. Our friendship continued to grow when I left Riggs and moved back to my place in Northampton MA. I have many fond and wonderful memories of her. She visited me Dec. 30 and I'll never forget how the sun shone through her hair and illuminated her face while she sat on the sofa. I can't believe it. I am really sad.
Maria Matthews
January 17, 2008
To my dear Karen's family,
Karen and I became quite close while working together in the Shop in Stockbridge. We made art together and cried on eachother's shoulders. I watched her move from a hesitant, yet exuberant, art student to a visionary Artist who had found a kin for her soul. That is still with her now - and with us.
We have pieces of her seemingly ever-enduring spirit in her swirls, vivid colors, and the waves of her pottery. Her boxes held secrets that she passed on in thanks to so many people who had helped her. Somewhere in those slabs of clay her secrets still live.
Karen was precious to me. I moved back to my family in Maine in the summer and I last saw her in the Fall. Unfortunately we were only able to email lately. Sadly, I had counted on her always being there for me and that I could do the same for her. I miss my friend so much.
My thoughts are with all of you. I wish peace and unyielding love for you as you travel down this long path. I also hope that I will have the chance to meet you all someday. I would really like that. With sympathy beyond words...
Rachelle Horowitz and Tom Donahue
January 17, 2008
Dear Tova and Jane and all the family,
Words cannot begin to express our deep sympathy and sadness at your loss. Just know that we are thinking about you. With love and affection, Rachelle and Tom.
Brian Boucher
January 17, 2008
To all,
I worked with Karen at McGraw-Hill. She was excellent and outstanding. She never let us down; she was smarter than Einstein, she was tougher than a prize fighter, she was the heroine I wanted in my corner in a rough battle.
Deepest, deepest sympathies
Linda David
January 16, 2008
Dear Tovah and family... I am so very very sorry for your loss... I cannot even imagine the pain and sense of grief and loss... My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family at this impossibly difficult time. May her beautiful memory ease your pain in some small way. With love and caring thoughts. Fondly, Linda David (Janet Bruner's sister)
Andrea Voytovich
January 16, 2008
To Karen's Family,
I am so, so sorry for your terrible loss. Words cannot express my deep sadness at Karen's passing. I met her through the hiking club in the Berkshires, and only got to know her over the past year and a half. Despite the short time, Karen had become the most genuine and giving friend I have ever had. I feel tremendously gifted to have had her in my life.
It was so wonderful to see her expressing herself with her art and pottery, and I will miss her just terribly.
I was truly warmed in her presence, and will never forget how much she has profoundly affected my life.
Gabrielle Lichterman (Gabrielle)
January 16, 2008
Dear Tova,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter, Karen. I remember the way you frequently spoke so lovingly of all your children while I worked for you at the Educational Alliance. It was easy to see that each was a treasure to you. I hope that you find strength and solace in the many wonderful memories Karen left for you to cherish.
Paul Johansen
January 16, 2008
I was greatly looking forward to having coffee with Karen soon, sensing in her a possible kindred spirit. I am deeply saddened to only know her through the remarkable stories of others, and mourn the unrestrained joy now lost with the extinguishing of her bright light.
Denise Roller
January 15, 2008
Dear Karen's Family,
I am so saddened by the news. I used to be employed at The Austen Riggs Center as a housekeeper and I came to know Karen there. She was a very beautiful, thoughtful person. She will be deeply missed.
Joan Herzog
January 15, 2008
I just learned of Karen's passing through a mutual friend--I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Karen at Houghton Mifflin and was always so impressed with her intelligence, drive,& entrepreneurial spirit. We often walked home together to Brookline and I think of her everytime I see or think of the Art Deco movie theater there. She will be deeply missed and my prayers are with your whole family.
Andrea Goldman
January 15, 2008
I am so sorry for this tragic and shocking loss. I first met Karen when I was invited to the film club she started in Boston. We quickly found that we had a lot in common and became friends, although I am sad to say I lost touch with her when she moved to NY. Karen was always bringing people together and arranging gatherings. And of course she made them much more fun. I remember a ski trip we went on when a few people asked her how she pronounced her last name. She told us to remember it by the phrase "Use the facilitities" and for the rest of the weekend was known as Karen Use the facilities dan. She will be greatly missed.
Karen McQuade
January 15, 2008
Dear Tova, Rob, Jane and Ernie: I don't know what to say except that I am so, so sorry for your loss. I could only imagine your pain. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Karen & Katie McQuade
Carla Gray
January 14, 2008
My deepest, heartfelt condolences to all Karen's family and friends. She was an incredibly wise and vibrant woman with a terrific sense of humor, and I am lucky to have been her colleague at Houghton Mifflin. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to post in her memory.
Ellie Mednick
January 14, 2008
Dear Tova, Janie, Rob and all extended families:
Our hearts are broken with this tragic loss. All our memories of Karen are of the sweet, bright and loving young woman she was. On our recent trip to New York in Sept., we were so happy to find her doing so much better and into promoting her new found artistic endeavors. There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for all of you. We will miss her greatly, and send each of you our heartfelt sympathy. You were all the most loving and nurturing family a young person could want.
With much love, Ellie & Jerry Mednick
Maire Gorman
January 14, 2008
I am so heart-broken to hear this news. I had the pleasure of working with Karen at Houghton Mifflin, and she was an absolute delight-- a consummate professional, creative, super intelligent and a joy to be around. We kept in touch over the years, and I looked forward to her career updates. When Karen and I worked together, I recall being impressed by how much Karen loved-- and was loved by-- her family, and the closeness you all shared. I hope that that love will help you through this difficult time. It is hard to imagine a world without Karen in it, and I am just so sorry for your loss.
Gerry and Peter Herbert
January 14, 2008
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES.
pam g
January 14, 2008
i wish to express condolences to you all. this is such sad news. i knew karen in boston though hadn't seen her since she moved to NY. i stayed in her south end condo for several weeks before she sold it so got to know her a little better during the time arrangements were made, instructions for watering the plants given, etc. i will never forget the basket of toiletries she kept for guests--anything you could ever want! she was a great gal and good friend to many. i'm so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Lila Noble
January 14, 2008
Dear Tova, Rob, Jane and Ernie: Words cannot express the deep sorrow I feel upon learning of Karen's death. You are in are hearts and prayers. Love, Lila Noble and Zachary J. Wang
Jan and Mark Hauser
January 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jan and Mark
Kim Foley
January 14, 2008
Dear Tova, Rob & Jane & all your loved ones, I also do not have words to express my deep sorrow. I feel blessed that I spoke to Karen on Christmas and will treasure her words and the memory of the sound of her voice. All my love and prayers to you now and always, Kim Foley
Lori & Robb Smith
January 13, 2008
I am shocked and saddened today to hear of Karen’s passing.
Karen, Kari and I were roommates in Brookline, Massachusetts during the mid-90s. We had the pleasure of meeting Karen through our previous roommate Michelle. I last saw Karen nearly two years ago at Kari’s wedding in California. She was as bright as ever.
Karen impressed me as being vibrant, passionate, and highly intelligent.
I just thought of Karen yesterday as I was dusting. We keep on prominent display the Mexican wedding plate that Karen gave to my husband and me for our wedding ten years ago. I thought about how I wanted to tell her again how much we enjoy her gift every day. Even though it has been broken and glued back together we have kept this plate on display from all of our moves, from Massachusetts, to California and back.
I remember Karen telling me that she had bought the plate on a trip to Mexico . She couldn’t make our wedding (to our disappointment) but her gift was one of the most lovely and thoughtful. She told us of how she thought of us when she saw the plate and had to carry this fragile item (at an impressive 15.5" diameter) all the way home with care. Her gift, sadly, has even greater meaning to us now.
Karen has always and will always be in our thoughts. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Jane E Karp
January 13, 2008
Dear Tova, Rob, @ Jane.@ other family members @ Ernie Rubenstein who treated Karen like a daughter, I really do not know what to say, except all my thoughts @ prayers are with you at this devestating time. If there is anything at all I could do please don't hesitate to ask. My love to all, Jane E. Karp
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