Surrounded by her children, Karen Marie Tawater of Lago Vista, Texas passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 8, 2024. Karen is survived by her mother, Alice Jones of Lago Vista, Texas and her three adult children: Summer Marcyes, Chance Hardy and his wife Amy, Casey Hardy and his wife, Jessica. Karen was a beloved grandmother to her 11 grandchildren: Kayden, Kelton, Cole, Elizabeth, Megan, Alyssa, Waylon, Kailee, Jake, Sky and Zoe.
Karen was born on April 23, 1950 in Montpelier, Vermont, but was raised under the beautiful palm trees in Southern California. She was a bronzed beach babe and spent many a day on the beaches in SoCal working on that perfect tan of hers. She graduated from Buena Park High School in 1968 and a short time later, married Patrick “Pat” Hardy. Together they had two boys, Chance and Casey. A short time later, they chose to part ways.
Karen found love again in Steve Marcyes and they were married for 15 years. It was Steve’s job as an Air Traffic Controller that moved the two of them along with the boys to Austin, Texas in the mid 1970s. Not soon after putting roots down in the Lone Star State, their beautiful daughter, Summer came along. It was there on Stillforest Street, in the Forest North neighborhood that Karen and her family made great memories and lifelong friendships.
Karen loved the 1980s, as it was a fun and festive season in her life! Before Austin, Texas was put on the map and declared, “Music Capital of the World,” Karen was already making (music) history for the city! “Austin AquaFest” took the city by storm with its annual summer musical celebration and behind the curtain, helping run the show…. Yep, you guessed it, our very own KAREN! For about five years, Karen served as Vice Commodore for the organization and was large and in charge. She was the overseer for entertainment on center stage and spent time networking, booking, and sharing a beer with headliners such as Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chaka Khan, Joe King Carrasco, Cheap Trick, and countless others. Karen and her festival colleagues worked hard to get Austin on the (music) map, and most would agree, they succeeded! Her bright personality, vivacious spirit, and friendly demeanor welcomed top performers to Austin’s Auditorium Shores for years! Being a part of the Austin AquaFest was a blessing to Karen!
“Irreconcilable differences” were the last two words written in the chapter of “Steve and Karen.” Although they parted ways, they still stayed very active in the lives of all the children. But Karen didn’t waste much time…. She decided “three time's a charm,” and it was!! Karen and her late husband, Ken Tawater, were married for 26 years and together made so many fun memories. They called Lago Vista, Texas their home for many years and enjoyed friendships in their community. Together, Karen and Ken spent lots of time enjoying Lake Travis, time with their grandchildren, and traveling.
Karen loved photography, and if you were one of her favorite people, you probably had some Facebook memes made just for you! Karen loved being with all of her girlfriends, taking fun weekend-getaways to the Texas beach, and heading to Windstar Casino in Oklahoma! And most often, Karen could be found right inside the doors (at the very first table) at Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill, sipping a glass of wine, and laughing to her heart's content with her friends! Karen dearly enjoyed the presence and company of others. She never met a stranger. She was a woman full of life and was most often seen with a glass of red wine in her hand and flip-flops on her feet!
So, raise a glass to toast Karen Tawater who has more than likely, kicked off her flip-flops and is walking on the warm, sandy beaches in heaven right now!
We love you, Karen!
Cheers to you!
Join us for a festive,
“Celebration of Life” for Karen Tawater
Sunday, June 2, 2024.
1:00-5:00 pm
Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill
11840 Hero Way, Leander, Texas 78641
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