Remembering Karen
This month, we’d like to take a couple pages to show our appreciation for Karen and the rich life that she led here in Japan. Thank you for the time you shared with us. Thank you for your friendship.
“I was lucky enough to get the chance to work alongside Karen when I first moved back to Japan. I took over her position in Haibara and she spent a week getting me caught up to speed. Since Karen was an experienced teacher, I asked her so many questions and her knowledge made me a much better teacher. She was loved by all and truly was a great human being. She will be greatly missed.”
— Lonnie
Karen in Asakusa with Van, Tracy, and Jenny and
Karen and Chris with Haibara members at the October 2009 staff meeting dinner
“I was really fortunate that I had a chance to work with Karen for a week for team teaching back in September. During that short time, I was able to get to know her better and had a great time teaching with her. I also got to see how special the Haibara members were to her as well since many of them stopped by to talk to her during that week of her visit. May you rest in peace Karen. We'll never forget you!”
— Jimmy
"Words cannot begin to express our feelings. My condolences to
Karen's family.
Sincerely,
Matt M."
“Working together for the past two months, Karen and I shared a lot of materials that we find motivational. Karen introduced me to the youtube videos of Taylor Mali, a teacher and Def Poet. Karen’s favourite was the poem “What Teachers Make,” which I believe captures her continued passion for teaching. Another video, “The The Impotence of Proofreading,” had us both laughing! I’m sure that she’d be happy to know that what inspired her could bring joy and inspiration to others.”
— Joe
Karen, Kinsella, and Christie in yukata before fireworks and Karen presenting at the January 2009 staff meeting
“Karen, I’ll miss you for the lost chance to get to know you better”
— Chris
Ma chère Karen,
From Haibara to Susono and then all over Shizuoka prefecture… my, did the years fly by! You were so charming right from the first time we met. Maybe it was because of your soft voice or maybe it was that cool Kiwi accent, but most likely it was because you were so easy to talk to. Thank you for lending an ear to incessant ramblings; for smiling (or frowning) at childish humour; for sharing your thoughts and ideas; for being so open and down-to-earth; for pointing-out and challenging what you didn’t believe was true; for just being yourself.
It was a true honour to know you and be your friend. You will always be in my heart.
Repose en paix.
—Jonathan
