Karen and I met in our mid teens. We both worked part-time and in the school holidays, at the local supermarket. We became firm friends. Later on when Karen started working in the city, she met Brenda and they became friends. So the trio was formed… with Karen as the connecting link. It was either Karen and one of us or the 3 of us, that had our first evening adventures out and about, such as going to pubs and clubs. 

Since then, whether in those early years of nights out or simply hanging out in each others homes, on holiday, phoning or meeting up for a chin wag, I remember Karen as always having a great sense of fun and always laughing. A great distinctive laugh!! I can hear it in my head, as I write this. 

Anyone who saw her out and about or strutting her stuff on the dance floor, (she loved to dance!) would think she was the life and soul of a party and at times I think she was 😀 💃 🤩.  Also quiet and down to earth, I loved her no nonsense way of talking. Though after spending time with her, (because I am a chameleon and tend to pick up peoples accents, phrases and mannerisms), I would have acquired the habit of saying, “ya know what I mean?” I think it’s an Essex thing 🤣

Over the years, having moved away, with busy lives, we didn’t have so much contact, yet when we did, it was always easy to reconnect. A couple of times I managed to visit Karen in her lovely home with its pretty garden, stylish interior and welcoming feel….a reflection of the person who lived in it!

When we met up last, we spoke, as we often did of our families and it is clear to me how much Karen’s family meant to her and how sorely she will be missed. I am happy and grateful to have known and called Karen a friend. 

I include a selection of photos I managed to dig out and scan, plus a couple I had from Brenda, showing Karen through the years.