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Karen George - Goodbye to an Angel

In honor and dedication of another member, a friend, and part of our ActiveRain Family. Karen touched so many lives here including myself. She was a caring, sharing, wonderful person who we will all miss very deeply.

She will always be loved and remembered by our community and those that benefited so greatly from her contributions and her giving spirit. I am proposing we honor Karen George by creating an award to be given to a single member annually, on this day, that best represents Karen's heart, spirit, generosity, and her love and zest for life.

Thank you Karen for sharing a piece of your life with us, and for teaching us the meaning of how special life really is. The greatest gift we can give to another is our time in which you were the master teacher. Karen George and her family will forever be in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. Until we meet again, may we all be grateful for the one thing that can't be taught, bought, or sold..LIFE! God Bless You.

August 23rd, 2008

Via Boise Idaho Real Estate - George Tallabas:

Karen George lost her battle with cancer today but she will never loose the love and respect hundreds of Active Rain members from across the country that were touched by this incredible woman have for her.

When I joined Active Rain in May of 2007 I was a lost little puppy. Karen is one of those that wrote some awesome blogs that helped me grow my presence on Google both with my Active Rain Profile and my own web site.

When Karen was too sick last summer her husband Michael wrote a page for my site in an attempt to have it climb higher with the search engine rankings. I did not expect this at all and told Michael it was not necessary. He did it anyway. Many of you don't know but even when Karen was very, very ill and could hardly sit up she would write blogs here on Active Rain in an attempt to help us with the great advice she always gave.

If you have not read Karen's blogs I highly recommend you do. 99.9% of everything she wrote was to help you and I grow our business. I read many of Karen's blogs and put the recommendations into action which is one of the main reasons I have had so much success on the web.

Karen was a giver. When Karen was well she heard of an elderly man that was confined to his home due to an illness. Karen purchased this man a notebook computer with internet access so he could communicate with his family and friends.

This is the type of life Karen lived. She was a "giver" and cared so very much about others. When she gave Karen never wanted anything in return. She took many of my calls and patiently explained things to me in layman's terms. I hope we can all learn from Karen's giving soul. If someone needs help, lets reach out to them in a loving way just like Karen did and would want all of us to do.

We lost an Angel on earth here today but the heaven's are rejoicing and having a party. Everyone throws a party when someone so special is coming to join them.

Thank you Karen for everything you did for me and for holding my hand when I didn't understand. Thank you for your incredible knowledge and your desire to help.

You will be missed and I can assure you that this world was a better place because you were part of it. I will continue to pray for Michael and will do anything to help him.

I love you Karen, Thank you for everything but most of all for your beautiful soul!

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Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager on 08/25/2008 01:29 PM

Comments (162)

karen george

This post has been included in California Information Solano County, CA Information Fairfield, CA Information
Post is included in group: Honoring Our Deceased Active Rain Members
Post is included in group: Christianity and Real Estate
Post is included in group: It's all about them (ThemThem)
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
Post is included in group: Realtors®

162 Comments on Karen George - Goodbye to an Angel

AUG

2008

Thank you for sharing this, Brad. This is a very sad day. I did not know Karen personally, that is face to face, but she touched me in many ways as she did many others. I sorry her battle is over but perhaps she is now in a better place.

Jeff

*sigh* It is a sad day. Karen touched me personally when I first came aboard and her spirit will never be forgotten.

Hey Brad....I've read many..including George's post on Karen. I have a hard time at times like this...thoughts are with Karen's family.

Thank you Brad - I read on someone's post earlier that Karen had passed on and is now free of the pain and suffering she had gone through the last few years. May she rest in peace. My heart goes out to Karen's husband Michael - you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brad, your spirit keeps Karen alive. I did not know her but through you she has touched my life
as well. I will keep her family in my prayers so that God will give them strength through these
sad times. Thank you for writing about Karen and sharing her story with all of us. Dagmar Sands

Brad, what a great idea... Karen obviously touched a lot of people and will be missed.

I found Karen't blog (and subsribed) after I first joined AR and during her battle with cancer. I was always touched by her sharing and determination to continue to make a difference in this community - and I am sure elsewhere. It says a lot to be remembered by so many who you have never met face to face. Thanks for writing this post.

beed reeling from the news since we first saw it. Joey's post, George's, yours, it's a quiet place where we go in times like this. one that's sad for our loss of another, and at the same time one that's grateful for having shared with them.

best

Karen George taught me about my first widget here on AR, she showed me how to use it and set it up on my very first Blog here. I think she even created it. I will always remember her taking the time out of her busy schedule just to help a newbie like me. It was that feeling she left me with that made me think what an awesome network to be a part of. I will never forget that as long as I live. Thank you Karen, you are a very special lady.

Karen's Widget, my first ever!!

Brad, I am sorry for your loss and for those here an Active Rain who had a personal connection to Karen. I came on board a little late and did not have that opportunity. I know the pain of losing a loved one to cancer and my heartfelt condolences go out to Karen's husband Michael, her family, and her friends.

Brad, thanks for your remembrance of Karen. A loss for her family for sure but also the Active Rain family too that knew her here.

Hey Brad, I really like this idea. Karen is such a sweetheart, and her generosity blessed anyone who read her posts and comments. Please go forward with this idea in her name.

Wow Brad, I had not seen this...Thanks for sharing...she will be greatly missed!

This is a sad story, thank you for the post. She was an icon here...Prayer's for her family...she is in a much better place, no pain now.

Sidebar...Brad, can you please call me?

Eloquent farewell.

Brad...give this a gold star! So all those that knew her know she is now in heaven. What a fantastic person she will ever be to those of us that knew her...

I was shocked when I found out earlier today by Joey A. that she had passed...

This should be a featured post...she was loved by so many member's her.

Karen

Hi Brad,

I agree. This should be a featured post.

Sincerely,

Bruce

Hi Brad!
I am so sorry to hear about Karen...I didn't know her but read the post last week that Michael helped her write. I thought it was so endearing and was impressed with the grace that Michael and Karen shared. I wish I had come on earlier so that I could have known her. My heartfeld condolences to Michael and the family.

Paula

I just wrote her a note a few days ago :(
She was a great person with a great spirit.
She will be missed. My heartfelt condolences.

AUG

2008

This was from a post where Karen was teaching members how to create .gifs and animations. She warned that this worked best in IE and not Firefox, but I wanted to add it here regardless of what browser you use. I hope it works, and that this photo shows how she brought life to just about anything she did, if not, try refreshing your screen, or viewing this post with Internet Explorer. Thanks again Karen for all you have done. Go Rest in peace now with all the other angels! :-))

Hi Brad...Each year the winner of the Karen George Award will be honored to receive this remembrance of Karen. One of the first writers I subscribed to, Karen's gifts will be here for all of us to treasure for a very long time.

As soon as I saw your post the tears came to my eyes. It is amazing how much we can care for someone that we have not met nor talked with but have had the pleasure of knowing through her writings here on the Rain.

Like many others I have lost a younger sister, my grandmother and several others to cancer. I knew what Karen was going through and what Michael was enduring also.

Kate

Karen is a very special lady and she was SO giving. I am sure that our Heavenly Father has great plans for her to use her giving on the other side. She will continue her work there. Jesus is welcoming home his dear sister who lived as he would have her live. She is certainly one who will his words, Well done my good and faithful servant, well done.

I remember Karen writing a comment on one of my posts. I was so surprised that she said she had learned something from me. I wrote her back that I was honored and surprised. That is when she told me that she was a subscriber to my blog. I will never forget how humbled and honored I was that someone as smart and important as she was would be reading my blog even when she was sick.

May God comfort Michael in this time of grief. God bless you Michael. You are in our prayers.

George and Brad....thank you for keeping us informed.

Every time I use my Blog and see Karen's widget on my Blog that she freely gave to many of us, I'll try and think about her being at peace and not suffering any more. I'm proud to have been touched by this wonderful person, and will miss her here. I had hoped she was getting better when I read her recent Blog posts,...Wow what a fighter, she had so much courage. She certainly is an inspiration to me and many others here and in her work.

My thoughts and Prayers to her Husband and Family.

Thank You Karen !!

The music you hear playing right now....

The title is "When All Is Said and Done" by Geoff Moore. The words to this song touched my heart, just as Karen did.

I am so sorry to hear about this - I never knew Karen -and its my loss...she sounded like an amazing woman and I can see will have left a legacy of a generous heart and spirit.

My prayers are with her family! The memorial award is a wonderful way to honor Karen and keep her giving spirit alive on AR.

My prayers are for Karen and her family. Her Kindness and help were dear to me. AJ

Karen will be truly missed. She was such a positive force here.

Brad,
I remember that I wrote some in her blogs and yes, I agree she was an awesome human, very smart person with such a great heart and always willing to help people, We will miss Karen a very important person here in our community and for sure in her circle. My best prayers for her and for Michael.
Ray Saenz

I followed Karen and truly enjoyed her. She will be missed.

Brad - you can remove this link if you want ... but for anyone who is not familiar, Karen told the story of her battle with cancer here http://www.fighting-breast-cancer.com/

Oh no. I've been subscribed to Karen for a long time. She had the most amazing attitude, under the worst circumstances. I know she knew the Lord and is in heaven now, but that doesn't stop us from missing her.

She will be missed, so young, so much more to give! I learned a lot from her blogs and kept up with her fight. My condolences to her family.

Karen and I never spoke on the phone only because I didn't want to bother her as she was recovering after a hospital stay.About three weeks ago she helped me with a suggestion on my profile. She did communicate for a few days with me via email and we never really each other but we did have something in common...baseball ...she told me she loved to watch the Diamond Backs so I'm glad such a little thing made her happy and was able to enjoy it...Rest in Peace my friend.

BRAD - I think that having an annual award in Karen's name is an excellent idea. She gave so much of herself to this community, even when she barely had the strength to do so. She will be missed tremendously.

Your comments through this post were touching as well, Brad. The pictures, the widget (it was my very first widget too and its been on my real estate site ever since!), the song.... thank you.

The award you are proposing is a great idea, I hope that it makes its way to be :)

Thank you. Karen will be missed by many - a wonderful, generous ActiveRain member we lost.

The "C" word just sucks!

Brad perfect song to play, I love that as it definately represents Karen. YES, I whole heartly support the annual award in Karens memory. She deserves to be remembered in a community where she helped so many of us grow. I knew you were one of many we could call to pray when Karen took turns for the worst.

***Can you feature this?***

Liz, you can still get to know Karen through her writings here on Activerain. Her wisdom and teachings will live on.

Hi Brad - As I mentioned on George's post Karen is someone I will never forget. She is one of the 1st people I gravitated to when I joined. You could always tell she had a passion for people. She will live on in many memories.

I am so absolutely stunned, that I had to read the title of your post at least 3 times for it to sink in. I thought for sure she would have beaten this. My heart goes out to her family.

I think an annual award is a fitting way to remember the impact she had on so many here on AR.

Brad, I feel so sad. Your post and follow-up comments and song are beautiful. I definitely think we should have an annual award in Karen's name. All of AR has lost a great soul but she lives on through our memories and how she helped each one of us in so many ways.

So very sad. I'm at a loss for words. Months ago I came across her outside blog that dealt with her daily strugle with cancer. I spent a more than a couple of hours reading each and every precious word.

http://www.fighting-breast-cancer.com/

I love the idea for the award.

I think the award is an excellent idea!

Anyone who hasn't done so already, should check out Karen's blog that Cheryl linked to above. In Karen's own words, she shares the struggles, the joy, the laughter and the tears. It's truly a remarkable read and will remind you forever of the kindness of strangers.

Brad - this is a beautiful tribute. Karen will be missed sorely. She was a beautiful person.

Brad- Thank you for pointing out George's well written tribute to a lady I should have been following from day one. I think an award in her honor is a wonderful idea and it will serve as a reminder every year to those who are "new" to AR to visit her blog. I know I have been there the past few days pouring through her posts. My prayers go out to her friends and family.

Although I didn not know Karen, whenever a great person is lost, I play this song in honor of their life.

It always touches my soul as I'm sure, from this post and all the responses to it, Karen would have had I known her.

So here are the lyrics in honor of Karen:

Brokedown Palace

Lyrics: Robert Hunter

Music: Jerry Garcia

Fare you well, my honey

Fare you well, my only true one

All the birds that were singing

Are flown, except you alone

Gonna leave this brokedown palace

On my hands and my knees, I will roll, roll, roll

Make myself a bed by the waterside

In my time, in my time, I will roll, roll, roll

In a bed, in a bed

By the waterside I will lay my head

Listen to the river sing sweet songs

To rock my soul

River gonna take me, sing me sweet and sleepy

Sing me sweet and sleepy all the way back home

It's a far gone lullaby sung many years ago

Mama, Mama, many worlds I've come since I first left home

Going home, going home

By the waterside I will rest my bones

Listen to the river sing sweet songs

To rock my soul

Going to plant a weeping willow

On the bank's green edge it will grow, grow, grow

Singing a lullaby beside the water

Lovers come and go, the river will roll, roll, roll

Fare you well, fare you well

I love you more than words can tell

Listen to the river sing sweet songs

To rock my soul

Listen to the river sing sweet songs

To rock my soul

I did not know Karen and wish I had the opportunity to meet her in person. The next best thing was her presence on Active Rain I did enjoy her and know she will be missed.

Brad my friend. I am 100% behind an award day in honor of our dear friend. Thank you!

HI Brad, Thanks so much for letting us know.. I just recently discovered Karen when I read she was near the end of the cancer battle.. Praise the Lord, she does NOT have any cancer today, she's running the streets of gold.. May God comfort and bless her family.. I am thankful that I can go back and read her blog.. God bless,

Touching tribute to a kind and caring person. Breast Cancer takes far too many of our Mothers, Wives and Friends.

Brad, I did not have the opportunity to know Karen and just learned of her struggle with cancer. I am sure that she will be sorely missed by the entire Active Rain community, and especially those who had a personal connection with her.

Being a Newbie, I will make sure that I go back and review her Blogs to take advantage of her knowledge. Her family should know that even now after her passing she will continue to be a "giver". Having lost my father to cancer, I know the pain and suffering Karen's family has had to endure and my heart goes out her family and friends.

May she rest in peace.

Make a Donation

Here some info I got off her fight cancer site to make a donation:

"All donations will go to help with Karen's medical bills / expenses"

http://www.fighting-breast-cancer.com/

What an absolute treasure she was to so many of us. Like many others, I had the good fortune of having been one of her faithful followers. In fact, it's how I found Active Rain.

Brad - this is a wonderful tribute to a beautiful and caring women. Thank you!

Kathy

Virtual Ndustry - thank you for posting that link:

As I went through all 14 pages of Karen's posts, I read each one. I was on a quest for more photos of her and the family, and once again, I was not only drawn into her writing and great information she shares, but I was really drawn in and just in awe of Karen's life line and story.

If you have not taken the time to really read Karen's Blog, you owe it to yourself and those you love to witness one persons struggle and dealings with cancer. Karen's Blog will have a huge impact on you and any reader for years to come, I guaranty it. Her Blog and spirit here will live on.

I didn't want to bother Michael right, but wanted to do something meaningful if I could, when I saw her post for personal donations, I knew this was how we could help.

And yes, "All donations will go to help with Karen's and Michaels medical bills / expenses"

http://www.fighting-breast-cancer.com/

Oh this makes me want to cry. I'm relatively new and had just seen one of her posts last month. She was having a good day and came back to AR to say hi. From the comments, I could tell she was very special. I didn't regognize the name at the top of the post but as I scrolled down, I recognized her pitcure and immediately started tearing up.

I'm sorry to everyone who knew her well, for the loss. I wish I had had more interaction with her. This is a beautiful tribute Brad!

BRAD, I love the idea of a yearly award to remember Karen. I know she is in a better place but it is always hard for those of us left behind to understand. SHE TOUCHED MY HEART!!!

Brad - Just a little on my thoughts about Karen's passing.

mike

Thanks Brad~

There are so many people here in The Rain that teach so much and share so freely- Karen was one of those people and she will be missed very much.

Brad, thank you for the post and the tribute. It gives us all a chance to go thru and really know Karen. And, yes, Breast Cancer does Suck, I lost my grandmother to it and my mother had it.

The award is a wonderful idea and thanks for the link to make donations.

flower

Karen touched so many of us on Active Rain with her humor, ideas and help on SEO. I remember the day I found out that she had breast cancer and I sat and read her "other" blog from 1st post to last. I laughed and cried. Today I am doing the same as I look back on many of her post here on Active Rain - she will be missed! I think the award is an awesome idea and truly honors the spirit in which she gave to all of us.

Heaven has gained one more beautiful spirit. She will definitely be missed here in the Rain, but she will not be forgotten!

Karen will be missed. She was one of the first ones we subscribed to and loved her ever since. God Bless.

Hi Brad, Your loving tribute has started my tears all over again, and I think the award is a wonderful idea. I'm still somewhat stunned by the sad news, although I knew she was losing her valiently fought battle. Thanks for putting this up...I'm praying for Michael, and both of their families at this sad time.

My condolences to her family and many friends. I am sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for Karen, I had read her blogs and talked with her in email. She is a sweetheart and my prayers and tears go out for her family and Michael. My best friend lost their only son this month and my heart is sad again to hear about Karen.

There are no words only tears and hugs for her family. Shalom may YHWH shine his face upon you in mercy and grace!

Brad- Thank you for sharing this- The world is a little darker today- we lost a shining star. My thoughts and prayers have been with her and now with the family she leaves behind.

I never knew Karen, but she sounded like she was an amazing person and will be greatly missed.

There are never any words that really express how we feel at times like this, we miss you already Karen. {{{miss u hugs}}}

Brad,

What can you say at a time like this...I admire Karen, her fight to the finish, and her desire to help others...she certainly was a model Active Rainer!!! God bless her family and friends!!! Thanks, Fran

Brad,

Thank you for memoralizing Karen in such a precious way.

I am new to AR and have not read about Karen or read any of her blogs until today. I read 3 full pages of them just to get a sense of who Karen was.

Karen was one special lady as those who knew her well would attest to. I send out my condolences to her family and thank her for all the blogs that she wrote here on AR

Karen will live on forever here on AR and in the hearts of those who knew her.

I can not believe it. Just a day or two ago, I was flipping through old blog comments I made, and immediately "her face" appeared. I took a second, and looked at it. I wondered how she was doing...the face with a warm smile.

When I logged on just now to see this---I thought to myself , "No, it couldn't be"...

My heartful sympathies to her family, to her friends, and all those touched as I was by her warm smile.

God Bless Karen.

this indeed is a very sad day for all of us :*( thank you for a beautiful post.

Brad, it truly is a sad day. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family. Like you, Karen also made me a mat widget. I actually lost it when my pc caught a virus a few months ago. I will not however forget everything she ever was and how welcome she made me feel in the rain !

Brad.. I first heard of the news last night.. this is very sad. May God be with her family and friends

I read several of Karen's articles, and though I did not personnaly know Karen, my prayers and thoughts are with her family.

Lou Farris
"That Realtor Gut (in Shorts)"

Global Realty Marketing

Brad- The tears can flow easily as Karen is the second wonderful AR member that I know of to die of cancer.....early last year I learned about Karen's struggles and read her outside blog a few times. I think that tribute that you are talking about is nice, and fitting. Today reminds me of Bruces passing in November....many of us followed both of them, and it is indeed sad.

Karen really was amazing. I think she touched everyone here at AR.

Rest in peace Karen. You fought the gallant fight, and beat that insidious disease, only to have it come back.

*Completely* and utterly unfair.

Our thoghts and prayers are with Michael and all Karen touched in her far too short life.

Brad,

She taught you well, I have read your blogs and always enjoy them. Although I never met Karen, I feel I have met her through you! My prayers and thougts to her Husband Michael, and for you; this must be so very hard for you.

My heart goes out to Karen's family and friends. It is obvious she touched thousands of lives directly and indirectly and all in a very positive way. Her husband will be in my prayers in the upcoming days and weeks.

Like so many others who did not speak with Karen or who had the pleasure of knowing her personally, I learned early on after reading just a few of her posts that she was a very special lady; the world could use a whole lot more like her. God rest her soul and may God give strength to her family that she leaves behind.

Brad, what a beautiful award in honor of Karen. My heart goes out to Michael and her family. What a horrible loss.

Brad and George, you have written a wonderful testiment to Karen. My heart goes out to her family and her husband Michael.

Thanks for sharing, Brad. I am just learning about Karen. It's the giving spirit like hers that make AR a place to belong to. She is an inspiration!

I found Karen's blog about the same time my daughter in law was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago. So far we have been fortunate as the prognosis after surgery was good and her check ups have been negative.

One of the support sites we pointed our daughter in law to was Karen's blog and I know Virginia enjoyed Karen's insights.

Rest In Peace Karen - Our family will miss you

My heart goes out to everyone who knew Karen. I met her online only in the past few months, but her spirit humor and wisdom showed in everything she did. We will miss her.

I am very sorry to hear about Karen. Her posts were some of the first ones I read on AR.

So sad. Karen was so full of life and such a caring and giving person. She was too good for this world so God took her back.

Couldn't read your post without crying. I am still struggling with the concept of "why bad things happen to good people?" Karen was very, very very good people. My prayers are with everyone who loved Karen.

I didn't know her or read her blogs, but she sounds like a special lady. I will take a look at her writing.

My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family.

Dear Karen,

Like many others, I was not fortunate enough to have ever had direct contact with you, our blessed angel. As you no doubt recall, you were someone I fondly referred to as my"Cyber-Space Queen". I am truly heart-broken, as I suspect we all are. Please know that your spirit will thrive through each and every one of us whose lives you so generously touched. Know also, Karen, that you always had (and always will have) my/our never-ending thanks, respect, and love. In the midst of all else, you still found the time and energy to openly share your knowledge with me/us in such a graceful and giving manner, I...

You were my first EVERYTHING related to this computer-age Karen. I will continue to read, absorb, and (I pray) make you proud. The efforts you invested, especially on simpltons like me, will be put to good use in your honor - that much I promise. And finally, to Karen's husband, family and friends...

My/our love to each of you too. Karen will not only never be forgotten, but - even for those of us who only knew her through avenues such as this - her spirit will live on forever (as evidenced in these tears falling on my keyboard).

God Bless!

A message to the "George" family from all of us at AR.

Brad, this is a wonderful post. You always seem to know just what to say. I have been thinking about this since I heard. Karen was an amazing person and will be deeply miss.

Nicole

Brad,

I am new to AR and didn't know Karen...but based on what I'm reading now I wish I had. I plan to go read her blogs not only because it sounds like she was one heck of a good instructor, but to get a feel of who she was.

This post and the responses that follow are a perfect example of why Active Rain is so much more than a Real Estate website. There seems to be a connection there that us Newbies envy. To be able to share some of what I've read shared in the posts is a real testament to the word "community"

In the weeks and months to come I hope to get to know some of the members of AR in a way that makes me feel a part of this world. While I am learning so much about blogging, real estate and SEO, I'm also getting glimpses of the people involved as well which is very special.

Thanks so much for keeping the human aspect of AR alive and well as many of us need it. We are with clients daily, but frequently we miss the connection. Karen's spirit obviously will live on as more and more will discover a bit about this special person via her blogs.

Thanks Brad for his incredibly beautiful memorial post! Clearly Karen touched MANY lives and she will be missed grealy.

God bless Karen. Thank you Brad for being a true friend for her, as we all needed to know this. I know it must be hard, I am thinking of you also. This is when I really appreciate music. Think I will sign off a while and start up some ol' Rush CD's and think of Karen. I can just see her in the front row! She must have been one heck of a gal in person.

Brad - Your tribute to Karen is heartfelt. I did not know Karen but my prayers and thoughts are with you, her family and friends. Karen's inspiration and gift of sharing will continue as your post will now give me and others the opportunity to read her bogs and learn from her always.

I share your grief. I share your loss. I aslo share yourheart ache because, you see, I too lost my sister Pauline to breast cancer mestases on April 22nd, 2008, my sister Louise is also plagued with the same illness and is currently on chemo therapy for the remainder of her life. She has been gallantly fighting this for nearly two years now and we need a miracle to save her life. Keep Louise in your prayers as well as Karen. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and has been for over 30 years and her mother before her again for 30 years with no recurrence, but amazingly, my sisters weren't that lucky. I will do the March for Cancer on October 19th and if anyone wants to donate (I need to raise my share as well) you can send me a check to: Fran MacDonald, Partners Realty Group 66 Propsect Street Manchester, NH, 03104 and make it out to the American Cancer Society. We march to raise money and to create Cancer Awareness so that others may live. Karen is in a better place now and she can probably help those of you who have loved her from where she is. Fran MacDonald, Associate Broker, ABR, CRS,SRES If you go to my blog Fran MacDonald at Active Rain I will see if I can include their pictures for your prayers also.

I think honoring her with a day is a beautiful way to celebrate her life.

This is such sad news. I just found your blog. Just as Karen's life has touched others here, here has also impacted mine and my business. What a wonderful soul. You are right that heaven is rejoicing

Thank You Jay Thompson for sending me the code for this widget, I'll we'll do all we can to help. God Bless my friend! :-)

I never knew Karen, but sounds as if she was an awesome human being who is no longer in pain or suffering. Honoring her as Brad suggested would be a great thing to do. Karen is now in a better place and apparently was such an angel on earth that she will never be forgotten. My best wishes and heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and loved her.

An annual day to honor her and some other deserving person with a Karen George Day would be a nice thing it seems. It's sad that she is gone, but will always be remembered.

Karen George helped me more than she could have known. I read her posts, both to wonder at her courage and to learn from her technically. Either way, they were blessings to me.

Thank you, Karen.

Brad,

This is very touching and I am lost for words! I didn't know her well and just the other day found an old post of hers that she wrote back in May and I made a comment, just a few day before her passing. I didn't know how ill she was.

The thought that I won't be able exchange thoughts about what she had written is........well my eyes are filled with tears and I am really lost for words! The subject was something that I was very concerned with.

Only the good die young-and passing reminds me of my brother's death....he too died young!

My thoughts and prayers are with her family! Did she have children? I saw the picture of her and her mom-I am wondering how her mother is holding? Mother's have a hard time when their children leave this earth before they do!

My prayers got out to her family!

Aida Pinto

How sorry I am for this wonderful woman, for her loved ones and friends near and far who had the privledge to know her. May she be at peace, free of pain. Her memory and her spirit will live on in all whose lives she touched...even mine... Godspeed Karen

Brad,

Thank you so much for writing this, featuring this, and sending out the automatic e-mails that notify us about featured blogs. I usually just delete them, this time I felt compelled to read it. Thanks!

To All,

Thanks for taking the time to tell your stories of how Karen touched your lives. She was such a blessing! She ALWAYS was helping people out on here. When I first read her posts 2 years ago, I couldn't believe that someone was taking all the time that she was teaching other people how to do computer tasks smarter, faster, and with flair. One day, she dropped the C-Bomb on us in one of her posts. My first thought was......that is incredibly personal and really hit me. The more I thought about it, she wouldn't have had it any other way. She was always giving of herself and this was just another way that she could sacrifice herself for the sake of others by raising awareness of Breast Cancer. One day she spent an hour over the phone helping me out. She had the most positive attitude of anyone that I've EVER met!

Heaven just got brighter!

As for me.........

Sad day.

Sometimes we never have enough time with good people like Karen

Like many others, I never personally met Karen but I did chat with her a few times via email. Her knowledge and her willingness to share was truly amazing. I am reminded of the Billy Joel song, Only the Good Die Young. Seems fitting in this case, Karen was taken from us way too young, and she was one of the good ones. I feel blessed to have had Karen touch my life - thank you Karen and thank you Michael.

This is a very moving tribute and i have read several others. I am going to take the link to her blogs after posting this comment. It is an amazing thing that someone can touch so many without ever meeting! Thank you for posting this. Russell

Hi Brad, I didn't know Karen or her post but I intend to read them all. How sad this is but a beautiful tribute paid to her, from you and all her family though the comments on Active Rain. The more you read ..the more you realize what an impact a person can make on another person's life, without even trying.

Goodness is the power in our lives. It takes so little effort to be kind and caring....and the rewards are everlasting. .......They are for Karen.

Thanks for letting us know, Brad. Karen was a help to me here on Active Rain, too. Her giving, caring spirit will be remembered. God Bless Karen and her family.

We all loved Karen. I heard from George, who has always sung Karen's praises. It's a sad moment for a great contributor!

Brad...Thank you for the additional photos, the music, and the information on how we can contribute to Karen's memorial fund.

Kate

Thanks for a touching post and comments/photos along the way, Brad. It is a great example of the warmth of this community and Karen sounds like she epitomized what I have seen since becoming a part of Active Rain. What a great idea to honor her memory with an award in her name.

I am so saddened to hear of Karen's passing, but she did put up a hell of a fight. She was an encouraging force offering gentle patience to everyone she touched. I remember when Michael was posting on her behalf and that determined dedication just welled me near tears. May all the peace that God offers be with her family.

What a beautiful person who life on this earth was much too short ..but she taught us all so much. Active Rain is truly a very special place and we were all blessed to know a person and a spirit we may never have had the opportunity to know. Another angel has risen!

My heart goes out the George family.. Karen was a true Angel.. She had helped me during my time here at AR even during her time of recovey.She would reply to my e-mails... I just don't what to say when someone touch you so much and then is taken from you too soon. WOW. If I feel the pain.. I just can't image her family. Thanks Brad ..... She has made her mark here at AR... and we never FORGET her ....

I didn't know Karen...I know toooo many other women touched by this disease....what a wonderful tribute and beyond that should be a reminder to women everywhere...mammograms are a regular and important part of your health regiment.

Here are some posts from other members and friends

George Tallabas

Kim Wood

Paula Henry

(Started the fund raiser.
See the widget above, please share if you can)

Jay Thompson

Joey Aszterbaum

Marchel Peterson

Desiree Daniels

I'm sure there are many others, if I missed yours, I apologize.

Hi Brad, Thank you for Re-Blogging George's post on Karen. Words can never express the value of life. But it most often fails to express how a person touches another's life and leaves a little part them in one's DNA. Perhaps we could have one new special group here only this time, set up by ActiveRain. A memorial area for our friends that come here and have been a part of our lives on ActiveRain. This way they will always be a permanent part of our network. It is an idea Brad, not sure of how to express the details but it would be really nice for Karen and others like Bruce that we lost last year. Am I am sure there are others. Maybe talk with Bob, Rich, Jonathan and Nicole and maybe you will all come up with something special. Your thoughts?

I met Karen at the Minnie Pearl retreat in 2007. Karen and Jackie another lady at the retreat hit off pretty good and were roommates. I remember having a beer or two with the ladies one evening. Karen was very smart and sweet. She explained she had tried out for the CBS Survivors series and at that point waiting to here from them. I am sad of the loss of such a wonderful person.

Reluctance

Out through the fields and the woods
And over the walls I have wended;
I have climbed the hills of view
And looked at the world and descended;
I have come by the highway home,
And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground,
Save those that the oak is keeping
To ravel them one by one
And let them go scraping and creeping
Out over the crusted snow,
When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question 'Whither?'

Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?

Robert Frost

Brad, thanks for this post about Karen, I didn't find Joey's post about her until this afternoon and I'm very sad. I love the idea of the special "Karen George Award" to an AR Member each year. I also like William's comment above and his idea of a Memorial Group in honor of our AR friends who are now all together in Heaven.

Katerina has created a group in honor of ALL our lost members here on AR. I hope the group and posts stay small for obvious reasons... http://activerain.com/groups/HonorThem Thank you Katerina.

she was an amazing woman - I hope those that never had the chance or threw away the chance to get to know her - look back and learn from her - she was an open book and loved to help others - she was passionate and loved life - I will never forget her

AUG

2008

Hi Brad, Thank You, I joined the group. Perhaps you would do the same and bring this featured Post for Karen. That would be so nice. I will let Sally know of the group and she may be able to have contact with Bruce's family and send some of those posts over as well. Thank You again and I feel some inspiration to write a post and include a bit of music that I know about that may help some to have a way to additionally celebrate these special lives that have touched so many of us. Many Thanks Brad.

It's so nice to read all these comments and see how much Karen was truly loved and by so many. One thing I can say for sure, let those you love and care about know everyday how you feel. Never be afraid to say I love you to ANYONE ever!! Life is short, precious, and it's all about people.

We take nothing with us except our memories, our relationships, and our spirits. In the end, nothing else really matters more than those we care about and love the most. Karen's Blog and Name will continue to bless others for many years to come I'm sure. I'm so grateful our paths crossed, she has made such a wonderful and lasting impression, I hope it continues for generations to come.

I'm very sorry to hear of Karen's passing, Brad. She was a beautiful woman and always will be. She had great strength.

-David-

Awe this is so sad!!! R.I.P Karen. We should take this moment to say a prayer, and thank God for every healthy moment we have here on earth! Katrina In Tampa, FL

What a nice tribute and rememberences for our fellow AR member.

Karen sounds like a beautiful person and will be sadly missed by everyone.

I was touched by cancer 3 years ago and with some surgery and chemo, I am well now. So when someone brings up the subject, I know what the individual has gone through. It is hell.

If you have the time, get involved to help fight this terrible disease.

Truly a sad day for all. And a what a great tribute.

I am so sorry to hear this Brad. I was a subscriber to Karen's blogs. I found her early on once I joined AR. She even took the time to email me and help me improve my SEO. I never forgot that. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

A Karen George Award sounds awesome. Great idea - Karen and her husband Michael did a lot for us here on AR and it is only fitting that she be honored.

It is because of Karen that my website and blog have done so well - it is because of Karen that my business got started - really.

God bless her, God bless her family - Michael, my heart breaks for you.

This is really sad. But you have to understand the power of Active Rain when you read this post and the subsequent comments. I didn't even know Karen and have never read any of her blogs but I feel that I know her know through all of you. Thank you Brad for sharing Karen with me. In spite of the sad circumstances, isn't it wonderful to know that she can bring people together and make such an impact on the lives of others?

~Renae

Gosh - what a sad day. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family and friends.

Tina in Virginia

It's unanimous! We will now have the annual "Karen George" Blogger of the year award on August 23rd.

Right now I'm in no frame of mind to create any details other than promising that this award will help to keep Karen George's spirit and all she stood for "alive" and present among us here in the rain.

Today, we are making a donation to Karen and Michael through the "Karen George Memorial" foundation that was set up for them by Paula Henry. Thank you to Jon, Rich, Bob, Claire, and the rest of the AR team for contributing and supporting our members family!

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read this remembrance and comment, I know that the George family really appreciates all the love, encouragement and support. Thanks for blessing them. :-)

I am so glad you are a member of,"Christianity and Real Estate", Brad...I am featuring this AND some other trubutes to Karen in the group!!

Elizabeth LOVED her so much, as do a WHOOLE BUNCH of us here !!

I was saddened but hopeful when I first read of Karen's battle - hers was one of the first blogs I subscribed to when I started utilizing Active Rain...and she gave me my first widget. Now that she's gone, it is best to realize the value of what she shared with...Karen George has moved on to be a part of us all.

We are but threads
in The Tapestry called life

Each necessary string,
serving different purposes
for the whole

Some are built for durability,
some for adornment,
and others never seen,
yet valued for their own
contribution to the work

A beauty of tapestries
is that when a thread
breaks free,
a new tapestry can be woven.

I never met Karen George in person, but her thread is part of my tapestry.

Wow, it's hard to even know what to say. God Bless you Karen. You will obviously be missed, but we know you're watching out for us from above.

AUG

2008

It's wonderful to see that some of our members here are joining together to help out the George family where we can. I see there have been a few more contributions to Karen's Memorial fund, thank you so much for your sharing and giving hearts. Their family can use all the love and support they can get right now. AR is the BEST at giving both!!

My 1st comment in response to this well-written and well-presented blog (thank you, Brad) was intended more as a message to Karen. This time though, it's directed both to Karen, as well as each and every one of you...

"let those you love and care about know everyday how you feel. Never be afraid to say I love you to ANYONE ever!! Life is short, precious, and it's all about people."

Again, much thanks to Brad for voicing the very concept that I'm always defending with the majority of my friends. Thankfully, I'm a bit of a scrapper, and am entirely comfortable in my own skin. As a 38 year old man who's a member of a very small, Northeastern community though...

Telling other guys, their children, and their wives (and yes - w/very few exceptions - that one's gotten me more than once, even though I'm an incredibly happily-married man myself). Anyway, that whole "let those you love and care about know everyday how you feel" has gotten me some very odd looks/responses over the years. You wanna know something though?

Do it anyway, 'cause it matters more every day ... especially to those friends/loved ones who are among those "few exceptions" I referenced. You know who you are: those who do NOT give the funny looks or odd-ball comments, etc. Still though, let everyone know, and I mean absolutely everyone! Yes, even those you rain compliments on who spend the whole time staring at that 3rd eyeball in the middle of your forehead! Seriously, guys, please don't just read Brad's Blog and think "aw, that's nice of him". Really do it. Oh, and by the way...

To Karen, Mike, my own lovely wife Sally, and every one of you here in our online community family:

My undying love, gratitude, support, etc to you all!

I only recently joined AR, and Karen's profile was one of the first I came across. I noticed her photo and beautiful smile, but was concerned when I saw her bandanna - I was hoping it wasn't because she was ill. Now I know, she was.

I tried to skim through all the responses to see if there was an account set up for the benefit of her family. I lost a 5-year old nephew to cancer a couple of years ago, and I know the struggles an illness like cancer can provide. I don't have much to give these days, but if anyone knows of a way to provide financial assistance to her family, I would be more than willing to make a donation. It seems she touched a lot of people. Even though I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Karen, I knew she was a special person just from her smile.

Please let me know if there is any way to help. My condolences to her family and loved ones.

Sandra - there is a widget in the comments above, but in the spirit of Karen, I'll just place it right here for you. Thanks for giving, caring and sharing, that was one of Karen's greatest attributes. She loved to share and help others. :)

Brad, I have been here to comment more than once and didn't even know what to say. I didn't have the pleasure to know Karen, but have always heard beautiful things about her and her family. My thoughts are prayers are with her family. She is in Heaven now, and will never suffer again. God bless her husband for being her rock. What a wonderful man. God bless you, for being such a wonderful friend to her and having the courage to share your story with all of us. I know this could not have been easy to write.

AUG

2008

Brad,

Thank you for sharing the story of Karen...I will remember her and her family in my prayers.

Dear Friend, Thank you for sharing this with us and I am very sorry for such a loss. Such a loss is always too soon. Truly sorry. Sharona Hannuka Du Rite Realty

I am currently working on a loan with Michael and Karen. I've worked with them for at least 5 years and was/am so saddened when I heard the news. My prayer is for Michael so he can have God's strength. It is a very very hard time for him. Karen was a great person.

Bless her heart she sounds like a great person... i'm sad that i never got a chance to talk to her...

The thoughts and words are overwhelming - i can't take them all in at once. She was truly special as evidenced by the overwhelming emotion in these posts. I prayed every day that there would be a miracle...

An award would be an amazing tribute to an amazing person. The problem is there is only one Karen George

AUG

2008

Brad: I once heard someone ask the question, "What is the difference between a memory and a legacy?" Karen George has answered that question in a most eloquent and powerful way. I LOVE and support your idea to give an award in her honor. I will miss her! Thank you for bringing this idea to us!! GBU!

AUG

2008

God bless her!

SEP

2008

OMG Brad, I totally missed this post and had just recently wondered about Karen. Last month out of the blue, perhaps it was an Angel telling me, she'd passed. I had written a blog about her last year to raise money and awareness for her and her family. I had never met or talked to her but she touched my heart from the moment I first read her blog. How very sad, but at least her pain is over now! I think it would be a great honor and tribute to her to have an award to celebrate who she was.

SEP

2008

Karen is and will always be remebered as one of the most giving and sharng people I have met on AR. It's evident by all the comments from friends and family here that she is loved and missed terribly. Let's do our part in Karen's honor and always take the time to help others in need, this is the transparent trait that she shared with us all.

We are here on this earth for a reason, and Karen most certainly knew why she was here. May she now rest in peace for eternity with GOD himself, and until we see her again one day, may her shining light and love be a memory we ALL can share with others. Life is very short and precious. The greatest gift you can give another person is simply your time, attention, and love.

My thoughts and prayers are with Karens family and friends, cancer is such a devastating thing that takes those we care for so early in life many times. Thank you for sharing.

JAN

Brad: Thanks for this beautiful post. I have been away from Active Rain for a while and did not realise Karen had passed. She touched my life with her blog. I too learned how to post my first widget from her. She was truly an inspiration to the whole community.

Alan - we will honor Karen with an award to a special member on her behalf. She was a special lady and friend. I only regret I didn't get to know her more and longer. She is missed by so many....so much!!

FEB

I am referring to Karen's blogs almost every day! She was an amazing and giving woman.

FEB

Holly - yes indeed she was and still is! Thank you for keeping her value and spirit alive here in the rain. :-)

SEP

Just read her post on writing a book. Inspiringly simple. I will mention her in my forward when I'm published.

Kendall - I know she'd appreciate that and I'm certain the family will as well. Good luck with your Book and all the success it brings you. :-)

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