Karen Jeanne Barraga

Karen was a woman of strong character whose Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a vibrant, talkative and creative thinker who showed an appreciation and love of music at an early age. She learned to play piano by ear and with a "perfect pitch" singing voice she brought joy and delight to anyone who accompanied her. She also developed a talent for writing poetry, especially for her beloved mother. As a young girl Karen learned to be quite independent and resourceful in spite of her low vision and cerebral palsy. She loved to learn and to pursue excellence.

Karen attended the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and graduated from McCallum High School in 1963. Thereafter, she graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970 receiving a Bachelor of Arts with Honors, completing a double major in French and Russian. In recognition of high academic achievements and excellence, Karen was awarded membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sociéte d' Honneur Franςaise. Making friends with students and teachers alike, "take charge" Karen was a champion crusader for students with disabilities on the UT campus long before there was an American with Disabilities Act.

After graduating, she advocated for and assisted with the development of the Special Transit transportation system of the City of Austin. She worked tirelessly as a consultant and liaison in the Austin community for people with disabilities, enhancing the quality of life for Austin's citizens through the community Recreation Division of Austin Parks & Recreation Department. In later life, her multiple disabilities did not impede her intellect nor insight as she expressed her love for the Lord, her family, caregivers, and friends.

Survivors include her first cousins Donanne Smith of Houston and Bobby and Peggy Carter of California. Other cousins include Nathan and Shannon Carter and family of Virginia, Chris and Nikki and family of North Carolina, Charleen and Michael Adair and family of Austin, Catherine and Patrick Rodrigue and family of Austin. She is also survived by her special friends and extended family Marcia and Mike Moore and their children David and Natalie of Oklahoma City, Marilyn and Spark Gregory of Austin, and Rita Livingston of Austin.

Karen was preceded in death by her grandparents Grovie and Bascom Carter, and her mother Natalie C. Barraga, Haskell Carter, Lee Roy Carter, Marzee Oden, and Jeanne Smith, Karen also leaves behind her caregivers: Lilly Hemphill, Nealia Miller, Marshall Wilmot, Cindy Wilmot, Mandi Miller, and Elizabeth Jackson.

Her family and friends wish to thank Seton Hospital ICU for their outstanding and compassionate care.

Services will be officiated by Dr. Chuck Kutz-Marks at 12:00 pm, Friday, June 19, at University Christian Church, 2007 University Avenue, Austin, TX 78705 with interment to follow at the Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1100 S. 45th St., Austin, TX, Learning Ally (formerly Recordings for the Blind), 1314 W. 45th St., Austin, TX or University Christian Church.