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KATHY WOOD lit a candle
Saturday, December 14, 2024
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I DID NOT KNOW THAT KAREN KILLILEA PASSED IN 2020. I READ HER TWO BOOKS ARE WONDERFUL BOOKS. HER PARENTS WERE BEAUTIFUL PARENTS. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE!. IT IS 2 YEARS AGO OR 4 YEARS. AGO.
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Carson Loveless lit a candle
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
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Condolences to her family
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Margaret posted a condolence
Friday, July 12, 2024
My belated but deepest condolences to the family for your loss of Ms Killilea. Thank you for allowing the public to know Karen through the books. It profoundly changed my life and that of many others, as illustrate by the people who have commented here. Wishing you all peace and blessings.
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RICHARD W. WERT lit a candle
Monday, May 6, 2024
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I am sorry that I didn’t find out that Karen had died until now. When I was diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy at age 2 in 1966, my mother didn’t know what to do. A neighbor gave her “Karen”, and it gave her great hope as she contemplated my unknown future. I thank Marie, Karen, and the entire Killilea family for sharing your private adventures in living with the entire world through both books. God Bless All of You.
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Marilyn Booze posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2024
I read both of the books about Karen when I was about 12. I could relate to many of the challenges described because my brother was born with spina bifida. I loved the family and felt as though I'd met them. As an adult I became Catholic, partly because in Marie's books, I came to view Catholicism in a different way than I'd been raised to believe. Love, Marilyn
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LJ posted a condolence
Monday, January 1, 2024
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I was given the books when I was 12 and read them twice a year for many years. It began a journey of understanding how a family should be. God bless you Kristen and family and friends!
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Karen Atzert posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, October 9, 2023
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My sincerest condolences to the family of Karen. I can't remember what year we met; but it was while she was visiting our neighbors on Hunterbrook Road in Yorktown Heights, NY. Gloria and Russ Lee I believe . I took her for a run up and down the road in front of the house in her wheelchair. Her squeals of delight I'll never forget. Brave kids we were. Lol I also visited them at their home. It was the first time I'd ever seen Newfoundland dogs. So incredibly huge to me! I may have been 10? Total passive sweethearts. Much loved pups. Marie gave me a signed copy of Karen (also my name); but unfortunately that copy disappeared. I believe I still have another.
I'll never forget our meeting. ❤️
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Kate posted a condolence
Monday, June 5, 2023
Coming to this a bit late but I googled Karen’s name today, as I occasionally do, and was sad to learn of her passing. Karen’s spirit and determination, as illustrated in her mother’s books, touched me deeply as a child. I read and re-read the two, slender books until I absorbed this message into my own life. Much love and support to Karen’s family.
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Merri Steward posted a condolence
Monday, May 8, 2023
My heart cries from the news that Karen had passed. I just googled her name, as I’ve done in the past, to read about her again and learned of her passing. I thought of her while reading about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
I read both of her Mothers books, when I was 11 or 12, and was so moved by their strength and determination and immense love for their family.
Those books truly taught me of compassion and kindness in my daily life.
My sincere condolences to Karen’s sisters and brother, and their families.
We’ve lost a special person, someone who has forever been in my heart.
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Elaine Connors posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
With Love From Karen touched me more than any other book I have read in my lifetime. Karen and the entire Killilea family have served as an inspiration to me, and I offer my gratitude along with my deepest condolences.
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Peggy posted a condolence
Thursday, February 23, 2023
My mother, a nurse, gave me the first book when I was young, and it gave me a compassion for and enjoyment of children with disabilities. I later worked in a Hospital School, and after my children were grown, for the last 20 years I have been a Special Ed Para with children of all kinds of disabilities, but I still have a special place in my heart for kids with CP because of Karen. The books helped me understand some of their needs and abilities, and the concerns of the family, and to understand that they could do more and understand more than people could tell superficially. Every time I see someone put on a velcro brace, I think how much easier it is now. Just today I recommended the books to a coworker whose daughter has CP, and so discovered Karen has passed on. I was amazed and so happy she lived to eighty fulfilling years. She and her mother and family did our world a great service.
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Irene lit a candle
Saturday, December 31, 2022
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Janet Graham posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Im 74 writing this condolence to Karens family...i just googled her and found her passing..i read her books as young teen 12 13..was very moved by her survival and her beautiful family. I became a nurse at 19 for 20 yrs..my best friend her name Karen i met in school....Karens strengths and inspirational tellings helped to mold me. Today i have a friend with MS since she was 10 now 64..she reminds of Karen never giving up..one of my grandsons Wyatt has Karens BD Aug 18.th..hes 4 ..i send love prayers and healing to a very special family.
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Debbie King posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
I read “Karen” when I was eleven after my mom told me about her. What an amazing person! And her mother—such determination to fight the medical system and the prevailing attitudes of society toward the disabled! The whole family was, and is, remarkable. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her story never be forgotten.
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Karen Moss posted a condolence
Friday, October 14, 2022
My name is Karen too. When I read her book as a young teenager, I was profoundly moved by her courage and spirit. Nobody in my circle of friends had read the books, so I encouraged them to read about Karen, her CP, and her remarkable family. I am a school psychologist who worked for more than 20 years with moderate/ severe/profound handicapped children. I think part of my comfort with and respect for this population was, as least in part, influenced by my reading about Karen’s remarkable life. I thought many times about her over the years. Maybe it’s because I recently turned 70 myself I thought about Karen today and Googled her name. I was saddened to hear she passed away 2 years ago but so happy to read she lived a really productive, fulfilling life until 80. My deepest condolences to Karen’s family. My her memory be a blessing to you.
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Rhonda S posted a condolence
Sunday, June 19, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Karen. I first read the two "Karen" books when I was about 12; I am now 64 and again reading them, for the umpteenth time. As so many readers have stated, the Killileas became like family to me. What an amazing contribution they made to humanity. God Bless them.
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mary beth cauuan lit a candle
Saturday, November 6, 2021
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Greetings from Cape Cod!
Like so many others, Karen's story has always stayed with me. Karen's family's love and faith was a great testament to their daughters happiness and success. I will always keep Karen's story alive in my heart. Love MEC
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Jennie Zeitler posted a condolence
Sunday, September 12, 2021
I'm so very sorry for your loss, Killilea family. What a triumph Karen's life was and how her story continues to inspire people!
It's hard to express how deeply affected I was by Karen's story, as told by her mother. I found Karen in 1978, when I had just started college. Later, I found With Love from Karen. Even now, so many years later, I'm just as profoundly affected when reading the books as I was then. I've read that Karen didn't think the books gave an accurate picture of who she was. Even so, her story has blessed so many countless people through the decades.
Thank you, Karen.
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Diane R Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
I found a copy of 'Karen' at my local Catholic church and must have read it a hundred times; found the sequel and read it, too. I love biographies and Karen's story was one of my favorites. The books eventually fell apart; I hope I can find digital copies!
Every August 18 I thought of Karen and wondered what she was doing; while respecting her privacy, I never lost interest in her. Today in 2021 I found her obituary and grieve for her as if I had known her my whole life. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family. Not many people touch the entire world. Karen certainly did. May she rest in sweet eternal peace. One thought gives me great comfort: she's with Shanty.
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Kristyn Hall posted a condolence
Sunday, August 1, 2021
I have read the "Karen" books countless times. I owe my conversion to Catholicism in part to Marie's natural descriptions of Faith in everyday living. I have shared those books with many people over the years. I know Karen was not overjoyed as an adult to have so much of her personal life made known to the public. I hope she understands now, in the peace of Heaven, that maybe it was worth it after all. Love to Kristin, Rory, and Little Marie. Sincerely, Kristyn Hall
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Sarah posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, July 29, 2021
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I read her books when I was a teenager, and just now thought of her and am very sorry to learn of her death. However, I am glad to hear that she had a happy, productive life.
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Rhonda G. posted a condolence
Friday, July 2, 2021
I never knew Karen Killilea except for in the books written about her which I have read close to a hundred times. Those books opened the door for me to read and learn about all types of disabilities. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.
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Karen DeGraaf posted a condolence
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Read the books multiple times, always inspiring. Loved to feel part of the family as I read the books. God bless.. Karen DeGraaf
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Christina Guerrero lit a candle
Thursday, May 13, 2021
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I am sorry to hear about the passing of Karen Killilea. The books "Karen" and "With Love From Karen" are among my favorite books of all time, and I have well-worn copies of both. Her stories inspired me to be an advocate in all areas of my life. It is wonderful to see photos of her as an older adult because I wondered for the longest time: 'what does she look like now?' Out of curiosity I looked up her name, wondering if she might be speaking publicly or still involved with training dogs, and am saddened to see news of her death. Thank you to Marie, Jimmy and the rest of her family for sharing her story. Rest In Peace, Karen.
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Karen Sangmeister posted a condolence
Friday, March 19, 2021
My parents were inspired by Karen's story, and named their first child (me!) with her lovely name. I wonder how many little girls in the 1950's also carried this first name because of the publicity around the hardback book, with its radical and hopeful message for children with CP, which was also honored as a Reader's Digest Condensd Book choice.
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Reader of Mom's Books posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
My condolences to the family. I did not know Karen or other family members, but "met" them through her mother's books. I'm sorry to hear of her passing, but happy to know that she lived a long, happy and independent life.
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Beth Sheehan posted a condolence
Sunday, January 24, 2021
When I was growing up, I would read Karen and With Love from Karen every other year. I loved those books. Karen and the whole family is an inspiration to me. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in my lung (and I never smoked) and cancer in my vertebrae and during that time about the only thing that wanted to read was Karen and With Love From Karen. Even though I read them over and over again. I never got tired of them. Reading those during that year made me laugh with Karen and the Killilea family adventures which helped to keep my mind off of that horrible diagnosis. It eventually determined that it was a misdiagnosis and I (had MRSA in my spine and in my lung) and no cancer. Thank God. I love how normal the Killilea family was even though there was some very tough times that Karen and her family went through. I know all the dogs and cats and pets helped with going through those tough times. I am so proud of Karen with her showing her Newfies in dog shows. I ❤️❤️❤️Dogs which is God spelled backwards. My husband and I have a rescue Shetland Sheepdog (or rather he rescued us after our little girl sheltie, Darby, passed). I loved reading about Shanty and the cats and birds and all the pets the Killileas had. Right now, Karen is up in Heaven with her family and her beloved Shanty and other Newfie’s and cats and pets. God bless Karen and the Killilea family.
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Valerie Smith Posted Jul 22, 2021 at 5:33 PM
I just Googled Karen Killilea and was stunned to learn of her passing. I, too, gained great appreciation for her mother's books of her and the rest of the family. I enclose this portion of a prayer for the departed from the Baha'i Faith: "...enable her to enter the sanctified abode, Thy heavenly Paradise...." Blessings and condolences to the family. Valerie Smith, Old Saybrook, CT
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Kathy Murray lit a candle
Friday, January 22, 2021
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I have read both books countless times. Love the Killilea Family! Became a special educator for many years. Rest in peace, Karen! You lived a long, rich, nspirational and purposeful life. Thank you for enriching our world. Your mother and father and siblings blazed a trail for you. You rose to the occasion. May you enjoy refreshment, light and peace. Extremely well done, good, obedient and humble servant of God. With condolences to Marie, Rory, Kristin and Families.
Kathy Murray
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Julia E Moore lit a candle
Friday, January 8, 2021
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I read about Karen and her family many years ago. I was always amazed at what Karen was able to accomplish. She was often in my thoughts. Blessings on you!
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Marilyn Conger posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2021
I am glad to learn that she lived a long life. Her mother's books were an inspiration to me. I read them in junior high and like a previous poster it made me want to be a physical therapist. Unfortunately that did not happen, but the books remain two of my favorite memories. I was looking for them on Amazon, when I decided to google Karen's name and found this obituary. Karen sounds like she did do anything. RIP!
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Sandy lit a candle
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
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RIP, Karen. I first read about you in 1963, and still have your mom’s books, and still read them. Praise the Lord, now healed in Heavenly perfection. Thank you for everything.
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Carol Royce posted a condolence
Monday, December 28, 2020
I was saddened to read of Karen’s death but also joyous to read of her long life. I first read the books of her childhood 45+ years ago when I was told my Infant daughter might have cerebral palsy. Searching for info back then was much more difficult. Reading about Karen gave me hope and inspiration so I was better prepared for the confirmed diagnosis when she turned one year old. She is a wheelchair user but instead of being disappointed in her physical limitations, my mantra was I would prefer a talker than a walker. Michele is now 46, and has earned a master’s degree. She lives half way across the US from me in her own condo with help from personal care helpers.
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Mary Ann Keyes posted a condolence
Friday, December 25, 2020
Mary Ann (Brennan) Keyes
I grew up a few blocks from Karen and spent a good amount of time with her as a child. She was fun, had a good sense of humor, a real inspiration.
Besides the tutors and physical therapists Karen had, her mother decided that even though she couldn’t run and play like other kids, she would be well read and have a superb vocabulary. Often she would use words, which I would then have to go home and look up. Many Saturdays some of my friends and I would take her for a walk in her wheelchair, invariably ending up in the Manor Park which was right across the street from her house. I visited her several years ago in her apartment not far from Trinity Retreat House where she worked. I tried, unsuccessfully, to reach her on her 80th birthday this August, hoping she had reached that milestone. My life was richer having known Karen. She was an amazing woman, supported by a wonderful family and to all of them I send my deepest sympathy.
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Roz Baxter posted a condolence
Friday, December 25, 2020
To the family of Karen. I was just saddened to hear of her passing. I read both Karen and With Love from Karen when I was in High School. I will never forget her saying to her parents”Mom, Pom I can do anything.!” That’s how I remember that lineand I believe it was after she was able to participate ina dog show. .I was deeply touched by her humor, her drive and willingness to do more and more. It led me to work with some children with Cerebral Palsy while in college.
I just wanted to share how special I thought she was. I know your family is saddened. You lost a very good person!
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Barbara Lokitis posted a condolence
Friday, December 25, 2020
When I was in high school I read Karen and decided that I wanted to be a physical therapist. For several reasons,including not enough confidence in myself, that did not happen. However, when I was 35 I went back to school to become an occupational therapist. I've thought about Karen over the years and am happy to know the rest of her story. What an inspiration to so many people. I will continue sharing her life philosophy, including her "permanently inconvenienced" alternative to the terms disability. or handicap starting with my husband who has been "permanently inconvenienced" for 30 years, that sent me back to school in 1995. May your memories of Karen sustain you now and in the future.
Sincerely, Barbara L. Ellicott City, MD
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Anthony John lit a candle
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the Kililea family.
I did not know Karen but her obituary in the NY Times really struck a chord as I am over fifty and have cerebral palsy. I have adopted “permanently inconvenienced” - instead of disabled - in her honor.
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Ingrid Meighan Waldron posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
To Marie, Kristin, and Rory, and all of Karen's family, how sad I am to hear about Karen. Karen and I played together on Rye beach when we were five. We were the same age, and I learned early about disability and Karen, and her mother's tenacity at overcoming disability. It was my grandfather, James Meighan, who also lived in Rye, who introduced us and it was he who kept us in touch from time to time.
Marie, I don't know if you remember, but your mother invited my grandfather and me, when I was about twelve, to spend a weekend with your family. Karen and I shared a room and spent half the night chattering away as only twelve year-olds can.
At eighty I mourn her loss and remember all of you at this time.
Ingrid Meighan Waldron
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Linda Shock lit a candle
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
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I met Karen via the two books written by her mother. I read and reread both paperback books until they literally fell apart. I’ve always admired Karen and the whole Killilea family so much. Karen was the type of person anyone would look up to: strong faith, positive attitude, good humored, kind, and the list goes on and on. God bless her.
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Joy Friday posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2020
I hope Karen knew how cherished she was by so many who never knew her personally. Her mother's books have had a lasting impact on my life and nudged me to become a nurse. I second the notion that her family should write an article or book about her later life as so many of us who admire her want to know what she was like as an adult. Thank you, Karen, for your indomitable spirit and my sincere condolences to her family members.
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Bridget MacConnell uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, December 20, 2020
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I remember Karen well from Good Counsel. She was a bit older than I, but in a small school, you get to know most everyone. She was very special and, yet, one of us. May she Rest In Peace.
The photo below was taken with Mrs. Killilea’s cousin, Actor Pat O’Brien, Karen and the assorted Bridgets. His daughter was one, so we were gathered. I’m the Bridget (née O’Brien) standing to his left
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Vicki Perlman posted a condolence
Sunday, December 20, 2020
My entire sixth grade class read this book and Karen was our hero. We all want to extend our sympathies. PS30 Queens NY 1966
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Kari Magill lit a candle
Sunday, December 20, 2020
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Like so many, I was introduced to Karen through the books written by her mother. I cannot possibly express what a difference they made to me. The messages of love, tenacity, humor and dignity transcend specific circumstance. Thank you, Karen, from the bottom of my heart. You made my world a better place.
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Dusk Peterson posted a condolence
Sunday, December 20, 2020
As a disabled child in the 1970s, I read the books about Karen over and over. Karen's life provided me with a great deal of hope. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about her and her family.
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Margy Mitchell posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Karen was one of the kindest and coolest people I have ever known. She was fiercely independent and truly valiant. I am really sorry I lost touch after I moved to Chicago for grad school, and wound up staying out here. I’ll never forget the way she called you “kiddo” and made you feel like her closest co-conspirator, always with smiles and joy and a little mischief. I just learned of Karen’s passing from the beautiful obituary in the NYTimes (complete with those fabulous pictures). Rest in peace, dear Karen, and thank you for your friendship and for the shining example of your life. Love to Kristin and all the Killileas, Margy Mitchell (my mom and Dad, Margaret and Walter Mitchell, were family friends; I believe my dad first met your folks when Marie published Karen with Prentice-Hall in 1952).
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Kristin Viltz Posted Dec 21, 2020 at 2:13 PM
Hi Margy, So amazing to hear from you after all these years. You are so right about Karen. And we all just loved coming to your wonderful homes in Greenwich. So many fabulous memories. Our parents were such good friends which made it so easy for all of us to be buddies. Would love to hear more on how you Jan and BJ are. We moved to northern suburbs of Chicago in 1993!
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Amy Chalfy Keltz posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2020
I never met Karen Killilea, but like so many, I appreciate how she and the Killilea family shared their lives through the books. I read them many times as a child, more than 50 years ago. Karen's strength and perseverance and the loving dedication of her family made a lasting and deep impression on me. I was sorry to see the obituary today, but heartened by how she lived her life.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
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Deb Hunter lit a candle
Saturday, December 19, 2020
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I read both books when I was a child. Karen and her mother made a difference in the lives of so many. God's blessings on Karen and the Killilea family. Requiescat in pace.
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Tim Leary posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Of my siblings and I (12 of the 14 of us are still living), the older ones remember Karen and her family with great fondness. Rory was my age, Karen was about the same age of my sister Sheila. We lived a few hundred yards away in Larchmont, on the other side of Manor Park. In the early 1950s, before my family had a TV, several of us went every Friday night to the Killilea's house ("Sorsum Corda" said the sign by the driveway) to watch "Topper" and "I Remember Mama." We also watched Bishop Fulton Sheen's show, titled "Life is Worth Living" - an aphorism personified by Karen, who was always a cheerful and caring presence, even as a child. It was clear that she was an equal and important part of an extraordinary family. We should all be so loved.
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Jim DiBuono posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
Super nice lady who had remarkable energy and witty too. I first met Karen at Trinity Retreat house while I was doing some plumbing repairs for the priests. She hired me to renovate a bathroom at her condo in Larchmont that would accommodate her special needs. Warm wishes to her family.
Jim DiBuono
Larchmont Plumbing and Heating
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Kelly Moylan posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
I read the books 44 years ago and became a physical therapist because of them. I worked with children the majority of my career! Thanks for the inspiration Karen!
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Mary Katherine Powers posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
Like so many others, I first read about Karen when I was a child. I was ten years old and have read Karen and With Love From Karen many times over the years. I have also read Wren. Karen really inspired me with her positive attitude and I've never forgotten her story. My condolences to her family.
Her memory is a blessing to many people, including those of us who never met her in person.
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Mary Ellen Cadman Posted Dec 19, 2020 at 7:14 PM
I too loved the books her mother wrote about Karen's life and, as an only child, wished that I was part of such a close and vital family. My best friend and I were such fans of Karen that we volunteered to do patterning with children who had cerebral palsy in our region of Pennsylvania. What a profile in courage she was. Rest in peace Karen, your life made a real difference in all our lives.
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Pamela O'Donnell posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
I'm a total stranger to your family, but I read "Karen" when I couldn't have been more than 10 years old (maybe 1971?) I've always remembered it, and the remarkable Karen.
My condolences to her family
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Kate M posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
Deepest condolences to the Killilea family. Wren was one of my favorite books as a child, and then I read Karen and With Love from Karen as a young adult. Karen's story had a powerful impact on me, which was important when I had a child with CP years later. Her story taught me not to accept limits imposed by others, and to fight for your child's right to an education and to a meaningful life.
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The family of Karen Killilea uploaded a photo
Friday, December 18, 2020
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The family of Karen Killilea uploaded a photo
Friday, December 18, 2020
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The family of Karen Killilea uploaded a photo
Friday, December 18, 2020
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The family of Karen Killilea uploaded a photo
Friday, December 18, 2020
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Pastor Karen Stepko - Rhein, Saskatchewan posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
My mother read Marie’s book when she was pregnant with me. She named me Karen because she hoped that I would grow up to be cheerful, optimistic, resilient, and determined to overcome obstacles and break through barriers. Despite the negative connotation that our name has recently been given, I have always been proud of it due to my admiration for her. I was very sad to hear of her passing.
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MLScott posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
A dear friend that I only met in the pages of a book is fully restored, playing and running free with her beloved Shanty. I hope she knew how important she was to so many complete strangers.
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Kathy Lynch posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
So sorry to learn of Karen's passing. I read her Mother Marie's book about her when I was in 6th grade, marveling of her remarkable story, continued later in Marie's sequel With Love From Karen. It is amazing how her family united forces against all odds and persevered to help her overcome her challenges, to help ensure she'd never be found wanting in anything, material or otherwise. Also amazing how many close calls related to her documented in both books that she survived by God's grace. Thankfully, she is now finally pain free with every part of her now working free and unencumbered - plus being reunited with her parents, plus Gloria & Russ and her nieces who tragically perished in a fire decades ago. Godspeed, Karen!
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Rebecca lit a candle
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
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I read both books in school. I believe that Karen helped in my care of my CP child. I also cotaught special education for 12 years. RIP.
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Susan Slowes lit a candle
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
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Millicent Tirk posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Like Karen, I too was born with cerebral palsy and read both of the books about her when I was a young girl. I know the family is very private, but I want to tell them that Karen and all of the Killilea family's tireless advocating paved the way for me and others like me, and that's something that I don't take lightly. Thank you all. My heart goes out to you all as you mourn Karen's loss.
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Kana Davis posted a condolence
Saturday, December 5, 2020
I read "Karen" when I was in junior high, what is now middle school. It was a great influence in my life. I had always been interested in people of different abilities and in science. From that time on, I determined to be a physical therapist. I accomplished that goal and worked for almost 30 years with children with varying abilities. I was sorry to learn of Karen's passing, but what a life she must have lived. I will always remember the influence both of the books had on my life.
In sympathy,
Kana Davis
Baton Rouge, LA
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Carol Ostach Griffiths posted a condolence
Thursday, December 3, 2020
To all of Karen's family, especially Nicole, of whom she spoke so often, I want to express my thanks for sharing Karen with me and my family and express my sympathy. My mom treasured the letter from Karen's mom sent after my mother wrote her after reading Karen. We had the pleasure of knowing Karen through our mutual friend, the late Father Benedict Groeschel. We cared for his cats and we babysat and cared for Scamper and Gershwin when Karen traveled. We last saw Karen face to face at the funeral for Father Benedict and I was concerned that a letter I sent Karen to the assisted living facility in early October came back as undeliverable. We just today learned of her death. I guess we could not have been able to attend her funeral with Covid. We will have a Mass said for her at our parish, the Monastery of the Sacred Heart in Yonkers, NY. She will forever be in our prayers. My daughter, Mary, now 29, treasures her copy of Neuf autigraphed by Karen herself which I know was difficult for her to do.
Kathi Joseph posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Marie and Karen Killilea didn't know me but I felt like I knew them. I read Karen and followed a life of service in the medical field in various capacities. But the biggest impact on my life was my mantra "If Karen could do it, I can do it". I am sincerely sorry to hear of her passing.
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Laura posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Karen lived a quiet life as an adult, but she, along with her mother and her family, were among the pioneers in the disability rights movement. We owe her a great debt.
I hope that after a decent interval of mourning has passed, one of her relatives or friends will consider writing her biography, or at least an article about her later life. It would be of use and interest to members of the disabled community and the people who work with them, many of whom chose their careers after reading about Karen.
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Marci posted a condolence
Saturday, November 28, 2020
I never met Karen in person but thoroughly enjoyed reading about her. What an amazing woman! She's now with her parents again!
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The family of Karen Killilea uploaded a photo
Monday, November 16, 2020
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