Karen Jean Hitchcock

MADISON-Karen J. Hitchcock, age 56, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. She was born in January 1956, the daughter of Jack and Grace (Searight) Hitchcock. Karen was proud of her United States Naval Service as a Vietnam era and Cold War veteran. She was the past Secretary of Standards Committee for the United States, and an active member for the United States Technical Committee 176 for the development of quality assurance standards, which is responsible for the ISO 9000 series of quality management and quality assurance standards. Karen enjoyed riding her Harley and especially the company of her biker brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Bryan (Crystal) Hitchcock and Jason (Amy) Hitchcock; grandchildren, Wyatt, Arianna, and Alexia; her parents; sister, Sharon (Thomas) Fontana; nephew and niece, John and Ann Fontana, and many friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dyan; grandparents; and other relatives. A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from noon until the time of service on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for Karen’s grandchildren’s college fund. Special thanks to the hospice staff, volunteers, and the entire staff at the VA Hospital for their consideration, support and care. Karen, you were my rock. Ride Karen, ride in the sky. Never stop. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from noon until the time of service on Sunday. A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012.