Karen Karen Karen - you are so missed by all of us at Link.  Having Karen's Corner is a bit of your sunshine everyday!  Linda Dunshee

I worked with Karen at Link and Associates in 1996 and although our paths crossed briefly at that time as the Army transferred us shortly thereafter to New Orleans, our correspondence remained steadfast  from that time forward.  When I was a little girl, I remember so dearly wanting a pen pal, someone with whom I could exchange stickers and patches and bookmarks, and although it took over 30 years to get my wish, God fulfilled my heart's desire and sent Karen - dear, sweet, kind-hearted soul and treasured friend - to answer the call.  I don't know with whom I'm going to correspond anymore as Karen's letters were a ray of perpetual sunshine that cannot be replaced.  I often addressed her with goofy names such as "French Fries" or "French Toast" or "French Doors," and she always gave me a smile and a great big "thank you" in return. She never stopped thanking me for writing her, when, in fact, I always felt that I was the lucky one. And she always, without fail, sent me Valentine's Day cards, Halloween cards, Christmas cards and more with each passing season. As we moved from Iowa to Louisiana, Texas to Florida, Colorado to New Mexico, and then on to Arizona and then back to Florida, Karen wrote me  at every turn, year after year after year. THAT is true friendship and is emblematic of the love she so freely shared. I know that you are living on in a world full of spiritual joy and wonder, dear friend, and you are making new  friends everywhere!  Our lives were made richer by being a part of yours, as the love you shared so freely with us all was truly sincere, genuine, and  faithful. My heart is forever broken but I will keep the faith until I see your smiling face, when we meet once more in God's True Kingdom.  I love you, Miss French Fries. If I didn't say it enough, I want you to know I mean it -- now and forever. God bless you. Our loss is Heaven's gain , but that's small consolation for those of us who will never stop missing you. 💌📬💜

I use to clean Karen's apt years back. She was so sweet and I loved her personality. I am so sorry for your loss!! She was one of a kind for sure.

I had the pleasure of working with Karen at Link Associates. I enjoyed it when she would drop by my office and ask, "What's up Dillard"? We would spend a few minutes chatting and every visit would end with roaring laughter! Karen always wanted to talk about the country western group Alabama; particularly the "good looking one with a beard"; she often wore her Alabama jacket and would tease me and tell me that she knew I wanted it. If I had asked, Karen probably would have given it to me. I am grateful for her friendship and brightening my days. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Always My Friend	

Born 4 years after your day
You knew that baby, friends our way
Touches were watched, smiles came free
A blessing to all as light it sure be

Years passed by, long days we play
We always did it our own very way
Sand in our shoes with knots in our hair
The yards and the field we lived in our lair

Swings and slides with tractor rides 
Brothers annoying so often we hide
Back and forth our trikes we did drive
Travels we went so far and so wide

ISU with a shout we would cheer
4th of July the best day of the year
Big trucks with horns of loud 
Oh did they make us feel proud

Our lives went their ways
Trips to the store, a happy gaze
Giggles and hugs along with a laugh
We share, they knew not our rathe 

Now an angel, my guardian I know
Friends from forever, always my friend

Tawni Plath


I met Karen in 1978 at Kenworth Mid Iowa where my mother worked. She was very caring and funny. She always had a spot in my heart.

When I reflect on memories of Karen French I'm reminded how my life was enriched with her presence.  We met as children and maintained a friendship over the years.  Her smile and laughter were contagious.  I could always count on Karen's honest opinion and not shying away from telling me exactly what she thought. I would refer to her as "Queenie or Frenchie" and she nicknamed me "Captain Jewels."  My mother would save the voicemails she'd leave for me at their house which usually went something like this, "Calling for Captain Jewels.  Karen French 226-8546."  She would routinely send homemade cards for my mother and I on our birthdays. She was such a thoughtful, caring human being.  Anytime we chatted she had a list of people that she would inquire about.  Although the conversations were short lived they always made me smile. She was an avid Elvis fan and loved dancing to his tunes.  She was dear friend of mine and one that'll always hold close in my heart. Keep smiling, Frenchie.

I had the pleasure of knowing Karen as the apartment manager of where she lived. She would come to my office almost every day to visit and ask if there was anything she should know about. She was always a highlight of my day as she always shared her care and concerns for others.  Karen was a kind and loving person who will be missed dearly by so many! My thoughts and prayers are with her family.  

Karen is known and loved by all at Link Associates.  Over the many years she has become an icon at Link and someone that everyone loves to see and be around.  There is a lot of sadness among the staff and her peers with her passing - but there  are so many more wonderful stories and smiles and warm feelings.  Karen left all of us better people for having had her in our worlds.  

Karen was a wonderful lady she always made me smile. I worked with her at her home a few times and worked in her area at link. She meant so much to many of us.Everything she said to me always put a smile on my face no matter what my mood was she could make me smile.she will never be forgotten and will always be remembered Spread your wings and fly high much love and prayers to the family 

OBITUARY

Karen Michelle French

February 28, 1961 – November 13, 2019

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

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