Birth date: Jul 15, 1953 Death date: May 11, 2026
Karen Lee Bowen, cherished wife, accomplished professional, and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully at her home in Auburn, Washington, on May 11, 2026, after a courageous and valiant health battle. She was 72 years old. Karen Read Obituary
We have many memories, riding motorcycles with Dave and Karen, as members of Tacoma HOG. Always a smile, a becon of light, even after being tossed off their bike by an unobservent rider that rear-ended them.
Jill would give Karen a hard time because after taking her helmet off, her hair would always be PERFECT!! God has received a sweet soul.
Prayers for Dave and family.
Paul & Jill
I first met Dave nearly 17 years ago when I started grooming his beloved dog, Duncan. Over the years, life took us in different directions, but after Duncan passed and Dave and Karen welcomed a new dog into their family, they somehow found their way back to me. Looking back now, I am so grateful they did.
When I met Karen, she immediately became one of my favorite people. I looked forward to seeing her every month when she brought the dogs in for grooming. In fact, I would often set aside extra time just so we could visit. No matter what story, adventure, or mischief I had gotten myself into since our last appointment, Karen always listened with genuine interest. She had a way of making you feel like whatever you were saying truly mattered.
After she became sick, I never once heard her complain or feel sorry for herself. Even when I could see the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty in her eyes, she never let those things define her. She put on a brave face, smiled, and listened to my stories just as she always had. Her strength was remarkable.
Every time I came home after seeing Karen and Dave, my husband already knew exactly what I was going to say.
"I think she is one of my favorite people I've ever met. I just love Karen and Dave. They are so genuine."
He would laugh and reply, "Yep, you've said that before."
There are people in this world who are nice. There are people who try to be kind, who try to make others feel good. Then there are people like Karen—people who seem more like angels walking among us than ordinary human beings. The kind of people you meet and instantly feel a connection with. The kind of people whose presence leaves a mark on your soul.
Karen was one of the kindest, most caring, and most giving people I have ever known. The friendship we shared may have started because of a dog grooming appointment, but it became something far more meaningful than that.
I have cried many times over losing my friend. I miss her deeply. But I know that Karen is not only a memory. She lives on in my heart, in the lessons she taught through her kindness, and in the bond we shared. Some connections are stronger than death, and I believe ours was one of them.
Karen may no longer be here for me to visit with, but the love, warmth, and friendship she gave so freely will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Karen and I spent the night at grandma’s house and we decided to eat the ice from the freezer, we both got sick. We will miss you,Karen.
Love ya, cousin Lil
