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Karen Christensen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 7, 2012.

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death?

What is this thing that men call death?
This quiet passing in the night?
'Tis not the end but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light

O God, touch Thou my aching heart
And calm my troubled, haunting fears
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for vict'ry won
The gift of Him who loved all men
The Son of God, the Holy One.

Gordon B. Hinckley






Karen Elizabeth Ward Christensen passed away peacefully in her Everett home on December 4, 2012, age 70. Karen was born August 6, 1942, in Heber, Utah, to Mark T. Ward and Orpha E. Frisbey Ward Pearson. She attended Salt Lake City schools until moving to Bellevue, WA, (1957) where she attended Bellevue High School and graduated in 1960. She was married to L. Kent Gardner for eight years and together they had two children, David and Lorri.

Karen worked in the addiction-treatment field for over 32 years. She completed her Advanced Addiction Studies at Seattle University in 1981 and received further education at the University of Washington and Brigham Young University.

Karen served as a family counselor, clinical supervisor, executive director and marketing director for several treatment programs in Seattle, WA; Walla Walla, WA; Longview, WA; Maui, Hawaii; Canada and Bermuda. She was also an on-call counselor, independent patient-record reviewer and trainer.

Karen spent the latter half of her career running a highly successful consulting and intervention business, Recovery Connections.

Her true passion was bringing treatment and people together to facilitate the healing process of both individuals and families from drug and alcohol addiction. Karen maintained 34 years of continuous sobriety and was a pioneer for recovery in her own family.

Karen enjoyed the outdoors, including skiing, boating, camping, gardening and climbing. She was a founding member of OSAT, a climbing group for recovering addicts. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved creating art from vintage, rhinestone jewelry. Karen was a 46-year breast cancer survivor and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Karen was a great inspiration to her children. She is survived by son David Gardner (Stephanie) of Renton, WA; daughter Lorri Fidler (Larry) of Tooele, UT; grandchildren: Clarissa, Spencer (Ian), Elizabeth (Ahmed), and Caslon; siblings Suzanne Ward Fleming (Rob), M. Terry Ward, and Joseph R. Ward, many nieces and nephews and many dear friends and colleagues. Preceded in death by sisters Virginia Hargreaves and Mary Ward; parents Mark Ward and Orpha Pearson.

A celebration of Karen's Life will be held at Bellevue Christian Reformed Church, 1221 – 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA on January 12, 2013 at 3:00pm. A potluck reception to follow at the church.

Memorials can be made to Assistance League of Everett http://www.everett.assistanceleague.org/dcontact.cfm or Residence XII Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Treatment Center for Women http://www.residencexii.org/.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

January 2, 2014

Deanna Mueller

Thinking of you as I take down Christmas today. I miss you, dear friend.

January 12, 2013

Keith Dowie

Karen was a lovely lady who struggled through life with problems that are certainly beyond my ability to cope. What a brave lady.

January 4, 2013

Deanna Mueller

Karen, my sweet Karen! I am so saddened at your passing. What a true angel you were to so many! Your love of family was immense, your dedication and faith in recovery was so strong, your creative side so vibrant, your heart so pure. I will miss you my friend! HUGS to you, my friend! ~Deanna

December 26, 2012

Valerie Vernon

I so appreciated the good times, laughing, sharing, and caring with Karen during our time of connection. What a special, creative, loving woman. Rest in peace dear one. Valerie

December 23, 2012

Judith M

I feel truly blessed to have known Karen for the two short years that I did. She was a wonderful, caring, creative soul who will be greatly missed.

December 20, 2012

Sarah Jenkins

Karen, you were a gift in my life for more than 25 years... I was truly blessed to have shared the path with you for so long.

December 17, 2012

Karen, I feel honored to have known you and seeing some of the work you have done that have influenced literally thousands of families. Prayers for your treasured family - we'll miss you, and know that you will continue your Blessings and work at a Higher Level - Greta

December 16, 2012

Linda Grant

What a multi-talented woman who had such joy for life -- and what a loss for all of us. As I look around my house at all the Christmas stockings you made, the jewelry ornaments and all the pink depression glass you got me interested in, so many memories come up. You were a ray of light on earth, Karen, and I now see you making Christmas shower curtains and pillows to decorate your heavenly home for the holiday party you will host for all our friends who passed before us. Give Jacque and Carol a hug for me.

December 14, 2012

Margaret Kulkin

I dedicated the Mother's Support Group (for mothers impacted by the addiction of their children) to Karen's memory today. I will always remember Karen: for her sense of humor, hope, compassion, and unwavering belief in recovery. Karen mentored my family through the hard times and made us all laugh during the better times. Karen "walked the walk," a living example of what it means to never give up, and what it means to surrender. I will never forget: the time she gave a Christmas tree to my daughter (the tree wore high-heeled shoes!), her artful cards, or encouraging words. Karen was a light to this world. I will never forget you, Karen. You will be in my heart always.

December 13, 2012

David Dickman

There are many helpers in our world, but few of them have impacted people the way that you have, Karen. Your sense of humor alone is worth the price of admission, not to mention your knowledge, your experience and your simple energy. People like you do not pass without an impact on us all - and the world is just a little bit less without you. Be at peace, m'dear.

December 13, 2012

Abby Smith

Karen came into my life over twenty years ago and we worked together several times over the years -- at 5th Avenue, Virginia Mason, Residence XII. I recall her ready kindness, irreverent humor and wonderful smile. She was always glad to volunteer to share her years of wisdom in the CD field with my classes at Edmonds Comm College. For Karen it was all about passing it on. I'll miss her.

December 12, 2012

Lorie Dwinell

My Dear Karen, I am crying as I write this. I have known you for many many years. You have been a major force in the CD field for almost as long as I can remember. Your love, passion, honesty, and commitment to helping and healing have been remarkable in an arena which has seen many shifts over the past 30-40 years. You never got caught up in the fads....you always had your eye on the goal: helping individuals and families heal from this devastating illness. I have loved and admired you for as long as I have known you. You have now gone home and are in peace....watching over all of us left here as always. Much love Lorie D

December 12, 2012

Steve Morris

I worked with Karen at Cabrini twenty five years ago and then had the privilege to consult with her at Walla Walla and 5th Avenue Hospital and to hire her at Swedish. She was always a positive and committed advocate for recovery and practiced with passion and sincerity. I will miss her.

December 12, 2012

Teri Swarner

I feel very honored to have know Karen even for the short two years I did. She was a positive woman with an incredible spirit, positive caring influence, a wonderful command of life AND, touched so many people along her journey. She truly was a blessing to so many especially me. I will miss her. Thank you for sharing your life and influence with so many. you were a gift to all who knew you. Teri Swarner

December 12, 2012

Pam Hill

Karen, I feel so blessed having known you. You are such an inspiration to me. I miss our long phone converstaions and I still have the beautiful cards you made for me. I will cherish our friendship forever.You are always in my heart.

December 11, 2012

Nicole Sartore-Babuin

Karen:I will cherish the time I got to spend with you. It was a gift to see you at the office and to hear your wonderful laugh just days ago. I feel honored to have met your granddaughter and son at my house as they were helping load your beautiful crafts up for the next show. Jack so badly wanted you to ride his skateboard :) You have given so much of yourself and have saved so many lives in the work you did. I hope that I can carry on your message of compassion, hope, and enduring patience. I am going to miss our talks but know that you are at peace and are watching over:) thank you for the pieces of art you have given me and for making my kids their first window coverings. I love you and will hold you dear in my heart. XO

December 11, 2012

Sara G

Karen was such a sweet soul, always bringing a smile to my face, even on the worst days. She will be missed, I am only sad that I didn't get to know her better. My prayers are with all who mourn her.
-Sara

December 11, 2012

Karen: You were a treasured multi-talented creator, artist and helper
but your legacy to me is a gold handmade pendant that hangs above my home office desk attached to which are many metaled angels and a banner reading "Angels all around you", my current signature. Thank you for that gift and for sharing the world of intervention with me and helping many afflicted souls begin a new and healthier life. I feel comfort in now saying that I'm sure Angels are all around you and, so is Peace. Fondly, Val R., Duvall

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