It has already been over a year since Karen's passing.  This is still a good opportunity to say how much her friendship meant to me.
Karen was an easy person to like--giving, honest, friendly, and dedicated to her profession as a French teacher.  
In her last years, she stood out as a loving grandmother and caregiver.  
You were always appreciated, dear friend.

when i decided to study french at highlands middle school back in the late aughts, i had no idea that it'd spark within me a lasting passion for la francophonie and linguistics in general. i'm grateful to madame provan for encouraging me in my french speaking endeavors, and for toutes les tranches de baguette avec nutella. sending my condolences to her family and friends. 💙

To the Family of my Friend Karen,
When we were little, we played with our Barbie Dolls, and had Birthday Parties, and did lots of fun things.  I love you and am so sorry  that you got Cancer, but God has a way of his own, that we can't understand now but we will know in heaven.  To the whole Kus Family, you have our deepest sorrow, and to God Thank you for sharing her with us.
Love, Phyllis, Amanda, & Bob Blodgett  

So very sorry for the families loss you are in my prayers

“Precious and kind”… The last two words Karen said to me. What I hope Karen realized is that life is a mirror reflecting back to you.
 I was blessed to have had Karen as my French teacher at Curie high school in 1979. She was exactly the influence I needed in my life. Karen was a role model, showing me who I wanted to be and how I wanted to live my life. 
After school ended, our friendship blossomed. We kept in touch over the years recently reconnecting from a far. It was almost as if time stood still, and now, gratefully, this bright light reentered. 
Karen emanated, love and compassion, joy and happiness, kindness and goodness. Karen was one of the most precious people I’ve ever known, and she made so many lives, like my own so much better as a result. 
“Precious and kind”…two words I’m sure we’d all use when describing Karen, our teacher/friend/loved one. 
Holding Jim and all of Karen’s loved ones close in my heart. 

Dear Jim and Family,

My sincerest condolences on the loss of Karen. Such a bright spirit with so many creative talents. Rest assured that she is in the loving care of God and experiencing her joyful eternal life.

May we all be comforted by the memories and the many talents she shared with those of us that remain.

John Principe ( Neighbor)

Our deepest sympathies to the Kus and Provan families. 🙏
 One of my mother’s fondest vacations was when Karen served as their “tour guide” on a trip to France. 

I have only known Karen for about two years. I had the true pleasure of meeting her at St. Cletus Parish. Karen was kind, friendly, and sincere from the moment I met her. Her gentle ways, beautiful smile, warm heart, and true compassion and love for others will always be remembered. You will be greatly missed, dear Karen. May you rest in God’s peace. 

Karen always greeted me and all she met with a smile, which came from her heart.

Karen stayed close to her longtime friends. 

... One of the best things about our family parties for us girl cousins was spending time with you...😘

Love you Karen... 
Susie 

Karen with her “sixth” brother … Alan … and Mom Kaminecki 

Kus Family at Karl’s Communion in the late ‘60s

Parents of the Bride … dancing at the wedding

Karen and her favorite granddaughter, Zoey

Karen and Karl celebrating their birthdays together 

Valentine’s Day 2020 at Connie’s Pizza 

Karen and Rose in Grandma Kus’s Kitchen

Christmas 2022, Karen with Auntie Mamie and Cousin Diane

Christmas 2022 with Karen’s funny brother Richie, aka Mr. Christmas

Dear Jim and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. Please accept my condolences on the loss of such a caring, energetic  and joy-filled person. Karen's passing is a loss for all of us who were her friends, her colleagues, her community and her family. Take care of yourselves, and know that she would want you all to hold tender and joyful memories of her in your hearts.

St Bruno “Old Chicago Days”. Karen once again was the head of the decorating committee.She found some folks to help her.  To quote Mae West “You  only live once, but if you do it right, once  is enough.”

St. Bruno Parish Festival “Circus Days”. Karen was head of all the decorations. Just one of her many talents.

Karen and “Prok” parish anniversary dinner.

St. Bruno Anniversary dinner at the Lexington House.

Karen was always helping others. Here she is collecting medical supplies for war- torn Ukraine.  God bless her very generous and loving soul. She is missed!

Karen,  
You were extremely admired in the Archer Hgts. Community, for all your various achievements. You commanded respect in my years at Curie HS, as a teacher & your vast knowledge. You will be missed my many ! 🙏😇 Your former student.
Jimmy Kasprowicz 

Karen was a special person, always upbeat, cheerful, and strong in her faith.  I will miss her in our many St. Cletus endeavors, such as this photo of the potluck team.  I enjoyed our helper Knox at the last HoHo breakfast.  My soul aches for all of her family and I send you all my deepest condolences.  There are no words, but I will be praying for Karen and all of you in this time of loss. Sending hugs.  

Karen's light always shone bright upon her family, friends, students and colleagues. She was a ray of hope in a world that is sometimes filled with shadows. She will be remembered and missed by many. My condolences to her family, Jim, Samantha, Jimmy, Knox & Zoe as well as her siblings, Ed, Dr. Bob, Karl, Rick & Joey, and her many cousins.  She will be another angel watching over us and supporting us along life's journeys. May she rest in God's peace! Freddy

OBITUARY

Karen Provan

September 9, 1951 – July 2, 2023

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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