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Karen Ancona Obituary
She was born July 27, 1945, in Reading.
Karen was a graduate of Reading Senior High continuing her education receiving an associate degree with Brookdale College.
She retired as editor with Craft & Needlework Age (CNA) magazine after 20 years of service.
Karen will be deeply missed by her husband of 44 years, Bill; her children: Susan Obetz, Marlton, N.J.; Christopher D. (Kristine) Ancona, Jackson, N.J.; and Robin L. (Mick) McCann, Dillsburg.
Other survivors include a sister, Marsha Green, Reading; seven grandchildren and many friends.
A graveside service will be Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. in Laureldale Cemetery, 4631 Pottsville Pike, Reading.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 992 Tamiami Trail C-2, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. National Cremation Society, Port Charlotte, was in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Ancona
Dianne Giancola
November 7, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Michele DeFay
November 7, 2008
Karen had this way of making you laugh just by being around her. She has left us with many good memories that will keep her spirit alive. My thoughts and prayers go to Bill and the family.
Lisa Wilson
November 5, 2008
I worked with Karen at Krause Publications. We didn't work in the same state, but we spent many hours on the phone. She taught me so much about the craft industry, and more importantly about life. I will miss her laugh and her wise advice. Karen was such a light. Everyone was drawn to her. She was funny, insightful, and so caring. She gave me a cookbook once for my birthday because she felt that in Wisconsin, the only vegetables we ate were french fries! But the thing I treasure most about that book is she took the time to handwrite sticky notes on her favorite recipes. That meant so much to me and every time I use that book I think of Karen and all the great times I spent with her. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Cindy Groom-Harry
November 3, 2008
I will always remember playing hookey with Karen and Lynn Carlisle from a conference we were supposed to be attending. It was one of only two times I've ever skipped something like that and it was the best afternoon of "connecting"!!!!!! Karen regaled us with humorous stories, insight into people in general and the importance of taking time to enjoy life. And enjoy, she did. I will always value that afternoon with Karen and Lynn and will forever remember Karen's wonderful life lessons!
Cindy Groom-Harry, Craft Marketing Connections, Inc.
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Janet Parker
November 3, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Ann Blackburn
November 3, 2008
I had the pleasure of hosting Karen as a guest of DMC's on a trip to Lisbon, Portugal several years ago. On that week-long trip, we shared many deep conversations and life experiences. I came to know Karen as a mentor in the craft industry, as well as in being a working mother, trying to juggle professional and personal responsibilities. She became a person I went to for "direction" when presented with different paths from which to choose. And her advice guided me to make the right choices. I will always cherish my memories of times and conversations shared with Karen, and feel honored to have called her my friend.
Maria Nerius
November 3, 2008
Although Karen's bright light may no longer shine here on earth, I know it's a light burning brighter and stronger than ever. As an editor, she had extraordinary understanding, compassion, and grace for the writer, the designer, the demonstrator, the small retailer, and other creative souls, especially the consumer. As a woman, she knew the path wasn't always easy, but accepted no excuses. As a human being, she was just hip, cool, and quite savvy, never hesitating to reach out with a helping hand, a healing smile, or warm embrace.
I'm sorry it took so long for us to find out about the loss of our most generous friend, but I think Karen didn't want us to worry or fret. I owe much to Karen's kindness and know her influence will always be in my heart. You go, girl!
John Lowenthal
November 2, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Barbara Burnett
November 2, 2008
I was constantly amazed at Karen's talent and knowledge of the industry. I repected her and regarded her as a generous person.
Peter Heinsimer
October 30, 2008
Terry and I had the privledge of knowing Karen for many years in the craft industry. We had so many great conversations with her over the years and alwas ended feeling good and leaving with something new to think about. Karen helped so many people over the years asking nothing in return. Her curiosity about what could be and Her constant good will were a source of enjoyment and comfort to many. She was a catalist in the development and growth of the craft industry with her insight, and her constant ideas on how things could be better if everyone embraced change. She helped many succeed and She will be missed.
Mike Hartnett
October 29, 2008
This is what I've written for Monday's issue of my newsletter, Creative Leisure News:
1. I don't know what to say about Karen Ancona: Caring, bright, wise, funny – the labels don't do justice to this remarkable woman. When you talked to Karen, she had the incredible ability to make you feel like your thoughts and concerns were the most important thing in the world. You could be a millionaire chain store exec, a struggling independent, a crusty old vendor, a new designer, or a young grandchild, you always felt better about yourself and your chances in this world after talking to Karen.
Many years ago DMC took Karen, Julie Stephani (editor of Creative Home Arts), me, and about 30 publishers to Paris and the company headquarters in Mulhouse, France. Karen and I were competitors at the time, but it didn't matter. I have never laughed so hard, so often, as I did that week. I sound like Humphrey Bogart when I say, "Karen, we'll always have Paris." That sounds like a love story, and in a way it is. I can't begin to count the number of people who had a love story of their own with her.
Barbara Hartnett
October 29, 2008
My heart goes out to all of Karen's family for the loss of this extraordinary woman. She could always make your heart sing--her zest for life was so contagious...she was a one-woman parade. God bless her.
Sara Naumann
October 29, 2008
Karen was a friend and mentor to many of us in the craft and hobby industry, and a wonderful source of inspiration. She, and her talents, will be missed.
Linda Augsburg
October 29, 2008
As a former coworker of Karen's, I always thought of her as a wonderful inspiration, a woman with a heart of gold who would tell you what she thought, and a great supporter. Before I worked with her, I'd already gotten to know her through her work in publishing and I had such a great deal of respect for her that I was amazed that she was as genuinely welcoming and supportive as she was to this "new kid". I can't imagine how you, her family, are feeling, but know that my thoughts and prayers, as well as those of everyone who knew her I imagine, are lifting you up.
Allison Gutierrez (Chambers)
October 17, 2008
Memories of many years ago, although a little vague, they are always happy. It is my hope that memories will bring you comfort as you celebrate the life of a friend, wife and mother who was a virtuous woman.
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