Karen, a valued member of the Parent to Parent team for over 10 years has recently passed following a brief illness.
CEO Jodi and team have preparared a story in her honour.
I first met Karen around 20 years ago when she was working in our local bank and banking still happened inside a branch! Karen was the bubbly and friendly teller that I hoped to get whenever I went in. My often unusual or quirky banking questions were met with “I can help you with that!”.
When Karen left the bank, we were in a position to offer her a job at Parent to Parent. Karen’s open and welcoming nature was a great fit for our information and referral work. She had a black lever arch folder full of brochures and flyers from disability service providers. When she received a call from a parent, she would look through the flyers and give them 3 possible options to consider.
Fast forward to 2006 and Karen left Parent to Parent as she was preparing for the birth of her son. I recall a conversation with Karen saying she would be back at work soon after Josh was born. I laughed and said she wouldn’t be able to put him into Daycare as she would want to be a stay at home Mum. Some months later, I got the expected call to say she wouldn’t be returning.
In 2013 Karen started back at P2P and provided a warm welcome to people with a disability, their families as well as providers. The folder full of flyers had been replaced by a spreadsheet, however, Karen continued to be the voice on the end of the phone who listened and helped.
When the NDIS was introduced, Karen moved into our Intake Team. She shared the role with Jill and they both provided support and reassurance to people with a disability and families as they navigate the complexities of the NDIS.
In July this year, we celebrated P2P’s 25th Anniversary. I was humbled when Karen joined other long term staff to share her memories of our time working together. At the time, we didn’t know that Karen was about to enter a health battle that would take her from us so quickly.
Being the fighter that she is, Karen gave it her all. Unfortunately, on Sunday 12th November, one day before her 53rd birthday, Karen lost the battle. Our hearts go out to Grant and their family.
Rest in peace Karen, we will forever miss your smile.
Jodi
An essential part of a happy, healthy life is being of service to others….
(one of Karen’s favourite sayings)
Tributes to Karen from those who worked with her
Karen was definitely the face of all things bright, sunny and warm. Always smiling and open for a chat and a hug. She made you feel so warm on your days when you were feeling a bit blue. We will miss you so much. Forever 52.
Leanne
Although I didn’t know Karen for long, I remember the the first time I met Karen very well
I had just started my role as a Peer facilitator for SbM and traveled up from Redcliffe to meet everyone at the Woombye office.
Naturally, I was a little anxious meeting new people… I walked into the front door of the office and was greeted with Karen’s sparkly smile and welcoming kind energy …
So beautifully cheerful and comforting Karen asked, “ Can I hug you?” I replied “Yes!”
I think she knew I was in need of this hug That moment … I felt accepted and authentically welcomed I’ll never forget that heartfelt greeting… I felt instantly at ease and any anxiety just disappeared I feel that Karen would have often influenced people’s moods for the better… She sure shone brightly Sending strength, healing and love to all the P2P team.
Tee
I think of Karen as the person who is not afraid to ask the hard questions with great finesse, making sure know one is put out.
Robbie
I will miss my trusty sidekick and beautiful friend. We are surrounded by Karen’s joyous spirit each day as she looks down on us from heaven. Her laugh will always be in my memory.
Rest in Peace Karen. ❤️
Jill
What a wonderful lady Karen was she will be dearly missed xxx
Jane
Every time I walk the dog, I miss you. Every time I have something that I need to vent about, I miss you. Every time there is something that makes me laugh, I miss you. You were the person that I called almost every day and the person that helped me through the good and the bad. I will miss you forever and although I know you are in a much better place, I sure wish we had more time with you here on Earth. I know I’m not alone when I say that your energy was warm and wonderful! Until we all meet up again, Godspeed my friend. Forever 52 in our eyes ❤️ ❤️
Beth
We are better people for knowing Karen, she was always there for us. We are all going to have to do our best and support each other. We will always love and miss her.
Lisa
Karen was a beautiful lady, and always so helpful in the few interactions I had with her. The fact she cared about people shone through in all she does with participants, she truly wanted to help them
Tanya M
With a very heavy heart, I wish you all courage in the days ahead after Karen’s passing, and to remember Karen’s caring smile forever.
I know what a close bond a lot of you had with Karen. She was such a ‘giver’ to all our P2P families in need.
She will be dearly missed by everyone’s heart that she touched. Take care of each other at this sad time. Thinking of you all.
Lisa Y
I will miss you beautiful lady, our friendship, laughs and the chats.
Tanya S
You were a 1-in-a-million woman Karen, who’s joy and laughter rubbed off on anyone you interacted with. You have shared your sparkle with so many people – we are all the better for having crossed paths with you. Thank you for sharing your sparkle with us ❤️
Jasmine
Karen was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will be so missed by so many. Fly with the Angels Karen.
Di
Dear Karen, Thank you for sharing your laughter, joy, learning, dedication, and for everything you have done in the past few years with me. I will miss you so much and I know when I look to the stars you will be looking down on me with your brightness.
Payge
I never had the pleasure of getting to know Karen but her passion for her job was always evident in our Team meetings. She always came across as bright and bubbly and I have no doubt she will be sadly missed by everyone. My heart goes out to the team at P2P and to Karen’s family.
Lynelle
To my best friend, You have made my life better for knowing you, i can’t put into words how much I am going to miss you, I will always cherish our friendship, our banter & laughter and sometimes our inappropriate chats lol. See you again my friend
Lisa
Dear Karen, I was so fortunate to have met you, known you, and worked alongside you. You were such a bright and lovely lady. I deeply miss your positive energy and your beautiful smile. You will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest In Peace.
Jenny
It’s hard to imagine P2P without Karen. For as long as I can remember she was a part of everything we have achieved. She has made a positive impact on the lives of so many people including my own.
Laura
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