Karen had myriad health problems, which she resolutely avoided discussing, preferring instead to soak up folk concerts and festivals whenever she could, and to enjoy the company of the people she met along the way. She was one of those quiet, dedicated people who volunteer and listen at so many folk gatherings. You all know someone like Karen. She was always there--especially as a volunteer for Folk Legacy at NOMAD, NEFFA and Old Songs. She really, really loved Sandy and Caroline Paton and their family, and the bigger Folk Legacy "family" they created on both sides of the Atlantic. She was a warm, caring, generous friend to her friends, and so grateful for the connections she developed through the far-flung music community that comes together at festivals and music weekends. And Karen was a very, very private person who apparently had many struggles in her life that she was loath to talk about. She had retreated these last couple of years, and I had wondered if there was something seriously wrong. I am sad and sorry that she died before I could let her know I'd been thinking and wondering about her. Rest in peace, Karen.
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