Karen Ann Peck

I hardly know where to begin with the wonderful memories I have of Karen. She was my cousin, but we were truly "soul sisters". Her family more or less "adopted" me as another sister and I am grateful for being able to be part of their life. My early memories include playing in a big tire sand box in their yard in Winneconne. I was a "farm girl", she was a "city girl" and she always teased me about how my mom always dressed me in dresses with ruffles, white stockings and patent leather shoes. We never lost touch while raising our families. We laughed together during good times, and supported each other in down times. We hit some garage sales and auctions together. Karen helped me get set up to sell on eBay to downsize my stash I had collected over the years. We once took a Pine Needle Basket Making Class together that we laughed ourselves through the entire class with those "damn small pine needles". and vowed never to do that again! I will always remember Karen for her smile, her sense of humor, her loyalty to her family, and the hours of laughter we shared together. She will always have a place in my heart.

All those birthday party's we shared with Jennifer and Lisa---how fun were they. Our mutual love of auctions and garage sales!! The fun times we had with Dorothy and Sally and Vivien and Uncle Earl--great memories for sure!!

As in all families, there were good times and bad; fun times and sad times; loving ties and angry times. Our family was unlike any other and yet we were exactly like every other family. As adults, there were many miles between us and a very long separation occurred. But always, Karen is my sister. She holds a special place in my heart and in my memories. She was smart, beautiful and intelligent. She deserved to live a longer life, to see her grandchildren grow up, to grow old gracefully with Jim, and, selfishly on my part, to spend time with a sister who realized (almost too late) how very special and important she is to me and everyone who knew her. My heart aches!