Karen and her twin sister, Sharon were born December 10th, 1955 in Portland, Oregon to Kenneth and Irma Lien. They had two older sisters, Joy and Marsha awaiting their arrival. She shared a wonderful childhood with her sisters and made cherished memories. She attended OSU and later graduated from cosmetology school and began working as a hairdresser. Karen met Bob while visiting her sister at work and they married soon after, in 1980. They were married for 39 years last May. They enjoyed many trips and created a wonderful home together.
She enjoyed being a hairdresser and was the family’s preferred and only stylist. Karen and Bob welcomed their first child, Kelley, in 1982, then Lori in 1984, Mark following in 1986, and finally Amy in 1993. In 2003 she became a counseling secretary at Westview High School, retiring in December 2018. Karen’s work ethic was evident in every position she held; always going above and beyond and building good relationships along the way.
Karen was a fighter and brave warrior; facing all of life’s challenges with determination and the belief that God’s plans were always good. She was humble and didn’t focus on or talk about the many health issues she had over the last 10 years. Her verse was Psalm 62:1-2, claiming God as her rock and fortress, that she could never be shaken. It was her anthem, a verse she lived out well, never fearing what this life could bring with her eyes set on eternity. She conquered two blood cancers (Multiple Myeloma & Myelodysplastic syndrome), two stem cell transplants, hip surgeries, neuropathy, Graft vs Host Disease, multiple bouts of pneumonia and many uncomfortable symptoms and side effects over the years. She is now finally pain free and rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and her Dad.
Karen lived for others, forgave quickly, read her Bible daily, didn’t sweat the small stuff, was driven, patient, compassionate, determined, generous and had a true servant’s heart. She exemplified Christ’s love and the fruits of the spirit. She freely gave all of herself to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Karen loved playing games, quilting, Bible Study Fellowship, time with her grandkids, gathering her extended family together for dinners, and occasional canoeing trips. Her family meant everything to her and she dedicated her time to them.
Karen is leaving a beautiful legacy of living loved. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob, her children Kelley (Jared), Lori (Andrew), Mark, Amy, and 6 grandchildren with one on the way; as well as sisters Joy, Marsha, and twin sister, Sharon. Her mother, Irma joined her in heaven on September 5th, 2019. She was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Lien.
The Memorial Service will be September 14th, 2019 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon, at 10:00 AM.
The family will have a private graveside at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary that afternoon.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Karen be given to Quiet Waters Outreach in Sherwood or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
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