Karen Joanne Brewer
February 12, 1942 - June 13, 2020
Karen Joanne Brewer of Redmond, Washington passed away June 13, 2020, at the age of 78.
Karen embraced life with joy. She was unique, vibrant and much loved. Survived by her wonderful husband, of 56 years, Ed; her children Ron Brewer and Christine Beatty; 6 grandchildren: Kaylee, Lexee, Megan, Mia, Lauren and Jenna and one great grandson, Angel. Karen was a magical mother and grandmother who always had time and great affection for her family. Nobody interacted with Karen without feeling her love or her ability to delight family and friends with surprises and treats.
Born in San Diego, California to James and Gertrude Wollam, Karen was the oldest of four siblings. She was preceded in death by her brother Jimmy. Sisters Susan and Mary Alice, sister-in-law Margie, nieces Rita and Jennifer and nephew Jimmy live in Los Angeles.
Karen grew up on Naval bases in Washington State, Japan and California. She graduated from high school in Tujunga, California where the family moved after her dad retired from the Navy. She attended Verdugo Hills High School and Glendale College and became an executive secretary. Karen was a young career gal and buzzed around town in a 1962 Ford Falcon. One memorable ride resulted in the purchase of matching pink muumuus (it was the 1960’s) for all three sisters.
Karen’s good friend Beverly had a brother named Ed. After a blind date arranged by Beverly, Karen and Ed’s relationship blossomed into a 56 year romance. They married in June of 1964 and moved to the Seattle area in 1977. Karen devoted herself to Ed, Ron and Christine. In the early 1980’s she went back to work outside the home. Karen’s organizational and personal skills lead her to a successful career at Puget Sound Energy. She retired after 30 years. Karen also spent many years as a Wedding Coordinator for St. Jude’s Parish in Redmond.
Her family was Karen’s greatest joy. Above all things, she adored being a grandmother. She felt she hit the grandbaby jackpot when she found out she was going to have triplet granddaughters. Karen was the type of grandmother who had a purse full of candy, a closet full of presents and a heart full of love. She had many varied interests. She loved to read, was an avid news watcher, liked to discuss current events, was a world class shopper and present giver, loved the British Royal Family and excelled at holidays. Karen was energetic and curious about all things. She could discuss any topic, stay up all night to make Halloween costumes for her kids and entertain friends and family with gusto. She and Ed created a home that was lovely and filled with warmth. The family attended St. Jude Parish in Redmond. After retirement Karen and Ed enjoyed taking drives, going out to eat and spending as much time as possible with their kids and grandkids.
Karen lives on in the many funny and heartwarming stories her family likes to share. Her kindness, laughter, generosity and caring nature highlight a life well lived.