Karen Anderson

In Lovin Memory
Karen Lee Anderson helped many people through her work as a Democracy Officer at USAID and her later work as an advocate and translator for children in the U.S. legal system. Karen had a deep capacity for friendship and maintained close relationships with friends around the world. Karen's heart remained tied to her native California. The biggest space in her heart and her greatest delight was in her daughter Gabriela, known as Gabby. Karen died after a valiant battle with cancer.
Karen was born in Los Angeles California in 1953 to Margaret (a clothing designer) and John Robert (an architect). Karen received a degree in Spanish from Occidental College. After graduation she worked and traveled widely, becoming completely fluent in Spanish. She taught English in Guadalajara, Mexico; worked in a restaurant in Costa Rica and served as a paralegal in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1985 Karen graduated from Georgetown University with a master's in foreign service. She first worked as a contractor for USAID and subsequently joined USAID's Foreign Service with postings in Nicaragua, Bolivia and Washington, DC.
Karen retired early from USAID in order to spend more time with her daughter and enjoyed being a key volunteer for the swimming team and eventually learned the details of hockey to support Gabby in her work for the Washington Capitals. In retirement as well, Karen gave many hours to Catholic Charities as a translator for children who entered the U.S. as immigrants without their families. She also was a court-appointed special advocate for children in the Montgomery County legal system. That group is now known as Voices for Children Montgomery. Karen always had a deep concern for the well-being of others, be it guests in her home or children thrown into a frightening and overwhelming legal system. Karen advocated for immigrant rights in the U.S.
Karen loved to travel and to research the history of her ancestors. She discovered distant cousins in Ireland and traced Irish ancestors who emigrated to the U.S. She especially enjoyed traveling with her daughter, Gabby, taking her to Canada, Puerto Rico, and California among other places. Karen and Gabby had a Bolivian street dog, Cleo, for whom they cared for 17 years. Karen always was up for fun, and she will be greatly missed by her many friends.
Karen Lee Anderson is survived by her daughter Gabriela Rachel Cristina Anderson, her sister Leslie Anderson Adams (Richard), niece Emily Day (Patrick), great-nieces Annabelle and Sophie Day, and her nephew Mark Adams (Katie).