Karen Sue Braddock joined the Religious Society of Friends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a nurse and avid hiker she worked her way west, traveling lightly through the United States and Alaska, finally settling in Washington State where she joined Eastside Friends Meeting in 1991.
Karen chose to "start over" a number of times in her life, and as a result she came to know exactly what was important to her and what wasn't. She lived simply and compactly.
Karen was a 100%, full-tilt dog lover. Her golden retriever Taffy and, later, her Samoyed Roxanne were significant characters in her life. She volunteered at the Humane Society animal shelter for many years. Her friends (animal and human) were her family.
Karen was a very private person in many ways, yet she always delighted to share her interests and enthusiasms: computer technology, music (she took lessons on the recorder almost to the end of her life), medical coding, and more. It was only slightly surprising to hear her announce one day, out of the blue, that she was starting to learn Welsh. She stayed in touch with friends around the country through quick phone calls.
Karen said what she meant, with no sugar-coating. Her vocal ministry in worship often included memorable insights expressed in her own unique down-to-earth style. She was fiercely independent, and reluctant to ask for help unless it was on her own terms and then only if she absolutely needed it. When she offered help to others it was practical and to the point.
Karen faced a series of serious health issues, including cancer, with courage, calm practicality and even a wry sense of humor, giving clever names to her various medical devices. In her last couple of years she was frustrated by mobility challenges, yet she was quick to add "I've had 16 good years [after her initial cancer treatment] that I didn't think I'd have, so I'm grateful and glad to be here." She was a model for how to prepare for death, with everything in order and all her final wishes spelled out.
Months after her death we are still recognizing how much we learned from her.