Despite being raised in a devout Christian home, it wasn't until the age of seven, at her grandparents' camp meeting in East Liverpool, OH, that she truly embraced her faith, walking down a literal sawdust aisle to the altar. By 17, she had dedicated her life to full-time Christian service, initially envisioning herself as a minister or missionary’s wife. During her time at Eastman School of Music, she participated in short-term mission trips to Haiti, Brazil, Paraguay, and the Philippines, even acquiring cowbell skills in Brazil and her first harp in Paraguay.
Karen’s career spanned 34 years as a public school music teacher, serving K-12 students in Michigan, New Jersey, and Illinois. She is the proud mother of one son and six step-children, with three grandchildren. Her "full-time Christian service" manifested in daily life, playing roles such as pianist, organist, and choral director in various churches.
Alongside her husband, before his illness in 2016, they traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and several European countries, including frequent trips to the UK to see a pen-pal of 65 years. Her hobbies include Bible study, reading, crafting, and music.
Her faith journey echoes the lyrics, "Although there've been times I've been out of His will, I've never been out of His care.” Karen says, “God is always in control and gives me direction in my decisions and a peace that surpasses anything in this world.”
