Karen Lynn Mitterer

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Karen Mitterer Obituary

Karen Lynn Mitterer

September 10, 1972 ~ September 22, 2012

Karen was born on September 10, 1972 in Hinsdale, Illinois. She completed both elementary and high school in Oak Park, Illinois. After completing her Bachelors of Art in English from Smith College, she went on to pursue a law degree from The Chicago Kent School of Law. Focusing on Special Education, Karen counseled families dealing with challenging times and acted as an advocate for those students in need. She thrived on helping others achieve success and believed that everyone deserves a chance to learn.

She is survived by her parents, William Joseph Mitterer and Linda Louise Mitterer of Kirkland, WA; a loving sister, Lauren Michelle Mitterer of Mount Pleasant, SC; and maternal grandmother, Ava Louise Thurber of Kirkland, WA. As aggressively as she pursued her career Karen was also fighting a daily battle with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. After being diagnosed at 18 months of age, she thrived against all odds. Often times she was told her survival was based solely on her tenacity. She gave this disease a tough fight, and although her body succumbed in the end, her legacy of bravery, courage, wisdom, and a good dose of humor will live forever. We are forever changed for having known her.

Memorials may be made to the Karen Lynn Mitterer Memorial Fund to benefit MUSC Pediatric Rheumatology Department, c/o First Reliance Bank, 800 S. Shelmore Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29464.

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@ www.Legacy.com.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Oct. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Mitterer

Sponsored by The Simonsens.

11 Entries

Casey Roth

August 22, 2013

Karen helped me in getting my cosmetology license and helped my partner's son with his special needs rights. I had no idea she had passed when I recommended her to a friend today. When helping me with my case against my vocational school she was a force to be reckoned with. She will be missed.

Susan Corgan

February 24, 2013

Karen was THE attorney in Seattle. Just the other day someone asked me for a special needs attorney and the first name that came to mind, as it always had, was Karen. She had a heart of gold for our kids and a genuine desire to help.
She will be greatly missed by us all.
Rest In Peace Karen.

Ann Carey

November 29, 2012

My law firm was updating our holiday card list today and I learned of Karen's passing. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolescences I hope we, who knew Karen, pass on the same enthusiasm, caring, integrity, and desire to help others as Karen demonstrated. She was one of the good guys...and I will miss her.

Jennifer Stanger West

October 28, 2012

I haven't seen Karen since our days together at Grace, but I'd thought of her often and was very saddened to learn of her passing. She was a very sweet and kind person who always wore the most beautiful smile on her face. My deepest condolences to her family.

Lana Traynor

October 23, 2012

I first heard about Karen while sitting in a JRA specialist's office in Oregon for one of my children. Little did I know, I too, would focus my practice on special education law. Several years later, we collaborated on some cases. It takes a special person with an incredible drive and passion to practice in the area of law that we do. Karen's legacy lives on in the work that she has done to help so many families. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Bill Dussault

October 18, 2012

I first met Karen when she came to interview with me many years ago for an associate attorney position, I was very impressed by her poise and presence. She had a wonderful caring demeanor. While I was not able to hire her then on a full time basis we remained in frequent contact by phone, email and occaisional meetings to review and strategize on cases. I will miss her warmth and charm. My best wishes to her family.

Mary Mcknew

October 18, 2012

I asked Karen to join me in a special education case that involved the state and two other entities as defendants.

Jill Geary

October 18, 2012

I knew Karen in law school, and then worked with her again when I was working as a special education judge. W e connected again when I started working as a representative for families. She was such a wonderful, warm, caring person. I was saddened to hear of her death and know there are families in Seattle who miss her dearly.

Karen in Portland, OR.

Aunt Mary Ann Mitterer Daniel

October 16, 2012

I first met Karen when I held her as a newborn baby. I watched her struggle with JRA early on. I recall her excruciating pain walking up stairs one at a time and trying to move as most lucky children normally do effortlessly: her crying for awhile --then bracing herself, putting on a brave face and moving forward. She did not receive the gift of mercy from above, but rather a lifelong challenge for which most of us are neither prepared to endure nor able to convert into success. One cannot imagine the inner strength needed to live daily with her illness. She could not look forward to dating, dancing, sports or any of the things young girls enjoy. Instead, she made the best of her situation and decided to work behind the scenes to serve punch at the prom, etc. One Thanksgiving, while playing a board game, we both suddenly started laughing uncontrollably-- about nothing. Her wide smile and mischievous eyes made laughter contagious.
As the years passed, Karen grew in confidence. She retained a sharp mind and wit as she became a lawyer as well as that tenacity which got her through life and her short career.
Dear Karen, enjoy the peace and freedom from pain and anxiety which you so bravely earned. Greet those of our family who have gone before you. Till we meet again.
Love always,
Aunt Mary Ann Mitterer Daniel.

Sharron Whitesel

October 10, 2012

Jim and I were so saddened to hear of Karen's passing. No words I say, can ease your pain, but I just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry. May she rest in peace.

Blessings,

Sharron and Jim Whitesel

Randy Brown

October 8, 2012

I was first contacted by Karen shortly after she passed the Washington state bar exam. Karen wanted to know how to build a special education/disability law practice without missing a meal or having to sell apples down by the ferry terminal. Over the years since then, I probably called her for advice as often as she called me. Karen was an effective advocate, very talented attorney, and a good friend. She will be missed, but I can still see her smile and hear her laugh.

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