Karen Sterling Goens

Karen Sterling Goens August 10 1954 - January 13 2025 Bellingham WA It is with profound sadness we share that Karen Sterling Goens has left her strong, capable, and beautiful earthly body. Karen, 70, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025 in Bellingham with her family at her side. She leaves a legacy of accomplishment and integrity, as a wife, mother, singer, and public servant. Karen was born on Aug. 10, 1954, in Fort Lee, Virginia. The family lived in several states, including Ohio and California. After high school, Karen spent a year in France, a time she cherished. In later years she enjoyed singing and performing in French. After graduating from Portland State University in 1978, Karen embarked on a lifelong career as a public servant. In 1982 she moved to Orcas Island and began a career in San Juan County Senior Services. In the mid 1990's she earned her master's degree in adult education from Western Washington University, commuting part time for evening classes. In 1998 Karen was hired by Whatcom County as its Human Resources Manager. She shepherded the county through the prosperous and lean times, dedicated to clear and transparent policies. She was extremely proud of her role in building a strong team and handing off the baton when she retired in August 2021. Karen was a singer, coming to music later in life with an infectious passion and joy. As a natural born leader, she helped organize and lead many musical groups, such as the Indralaya Deep Singing program, and harmony loving small groups. She performed with Bellingham's local Allegra, Whatcom Sound Jazz Singers, Kulshan Chorus, Threshold Singers, and more. Karen was a loving wife (Michael), mother (Michael and Maia), grandmother (Benjamin, Sequoia, Sophia), and sister (Judy and Beth). Karen lived a full life between her two homes located in Bellingham and on Orcas Island, which she lovingly referred to as being an "Orcasional". Spending time with her family in their beautiful gardens on Orcas was one of her greatest joys. In every aspect of her life Karen exemplified the complementary virtues of kindness and strength. She freely shared of herself, and one felt safe letting her do so because she knew what she wanted, knew her capacity, and always stayed within both - and we are forever blessed that this included us. Though cancer took her from us before we were ready, we know that she accomplished all in this life that she needed to, and accomplished it well. A celebration of Karen's life will be scheduled at a later date. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Karen, please visit our Tree Store.