1941
2022
KAREN LEE (JOHNSON) SMITH
September 20, 1941 ˜ October 7, 2022
Karen was born on Sept. 20, 1941, in Vancouver, WA, to parents Edgar and Maxine Johnson. Following the loss of her mother Maxine, she was raised by her maternal grandmother in Ridgefield, WA. After completing all 12 years of education in the same school building, Karen graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1959. Her first job after high school was at First Independent Bank.
On May 5, 1961, Karen married Glen Smith in Vancouver. In late 1962, Karen and Glen bought their first home in the Salmon Creek area where they spent the rest of their married life. Karen remained a long-time member of the Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene. Karen became a mother after giving birth to daughter Sandra in 1969. The family expanded with the birth of son Gregory in 1972. Karen spent most of the following years in the most honorable profession - homemaker. When her children grew older, Karen followed her lifelong dream of attending college graduating from Clark College in 1991. Following graduation, Karen became the office manager at Morrison Insurance and Investment Agency in Vancouver.
Throughout her life, Karen had many interests to keep her busy. As an avid reader, some of her favorite readings included mystery novels. However, The Bible remained her favorite reading from which she found great inspiration for her life. Karen was also a dedicated flower gardener as her patio and flower beds were full of colorful flowers. As a loyal sports fan, Karen always found joy in watching our Northwest professional and college sports teams. Most of all, Karen will be remembered as a loving and caring grandmother for her seven grandchildren.
At age 81, Karen passed away on Oct. 7, 2022, at PeaceHealth Medical Center in Vancouver due to complications of a femur fracture following a fall at home. Karen survived myelodysplasia for the last 19 years. In recent years, she had developed heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Karen is survived by her husband, Glen Smith, of 61 years. She is also survived by her daughter Sandra (Smith) Meadows and husband Kevin Meadows of Fort Worth, TX; and her son Gregory Smith and wife Megan Smith of Cheney, WA. Surviving grandchildren include Brandon, Justin, and Connor Meadows of Fort Worth, TX, and Jacob, Caleb, Rachel, and Hannah Smith of Cheney, WA. Survivors also include sister Marilyn (Johnson) Christiansen and husband Tom Christiansen of Vancouver; sister Beverly (Johnson) Westlake of Peoria, AZ; cousins Diana (Dixie) Petersen and Doug Dixon of Vancouver; and cousins Mike Dixon and Sue Dixon of Estacada, OR. Other survivors include numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the western states. Karen was well respected by her friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. Our heartfelt thanks to the many health care workers, family, friends, and neighbors for their caring love and dedication to Karen. A memorial service, followed by a light lunch and reception, will be held for Karen at Vancouver Church, 3300 NE 78th St in Vancouver, at Noon on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.
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1 Entry
Sending my condolences to the Smith family she always had a smile on her face
Mark Maynard
November 13, 2022
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