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Remembering Karen Ann Stone

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

 

If you followed Karen Anne Stone, you knew she was a fiery, spunky, and fun presence in the Rain. If you read the comments on her last post, you can see the outpouring of love and concern for her after her surgery. Going back and re-reading the comments brought tears to my eyes.

Thank you Patricia Feager for encouraging us to write about those here in the Rain who have gone before us. This March challenge has been heartwarming as we remember our blogging friends who left us too soon.

I remember not hearing anything for a while about Karen Ann, so we just kept sending her private messages and leaving comments. Sadly, she passed, leaving a void in the Rain. Once the news of her passing was known, the beautiful comments continued.

I pray her family was able to read the comments of support. She was fun, and I enjoyed following her. I remember fondly that she never minced her words. She wrote from the heart, and she was raw and honest.

Thank you, Karen Ann, for what you brought to us in the Rain. You are missed even after all of these years. Rest in peace!

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Comments(12)

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Patricia Feager
Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Dr. Paula McDonald 

Thank you for remembering our Lone Star Texan representing the Real Estate Industry here on ActiveRain. Honoring Karen Ann Stone's legacy is the right thing to do. She was bigger than life on AR. This was a beautiful tribute to someone who touched the lives of many. 

Your entry is greatly appreciated. 

Mar 22, 2026 08:33 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You are most welcome, Patricia. I so enjoyed her raw humor and her forthright approach to life. I pray she died peacefully.

Mar 23, 2026 12:02 PM
Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

I went back and read her profile and some of her blogs. It was very sad to read how anxious and scared she was … with good reason. She went through some scary procedures. She was one strong woman. To see that she received over 200 comments proved she had a caring following here. How wonderful to have a whole network pulling for you. May she forever rest in eternal peace.

Mar 22, 2026 08:55 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Kelly, this platform of people continued to try reaching out to her. I remember that time very well. So sad.

Mar 23, 2026 12:03 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

What a touching tribute to Karen Ann Stone, Dr. Paula McDonald. The way you brought her spirit forward made the whole story land with real heart, and I’m grateful you shared it with all of us. It’s the kind of post that stays with you :)

Mar 23, 2026 03:44 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You are welcome, Lew. She did leave a mark here in the Rain. I was honored to write this for her.

Mar 23, 2026 12:03 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Paula... I did not know Karen and her name is not one I quickly recognized. I enjoyed reading your tribute to Karen who sounds like an amazing person. And I read that post of hers to which you added a link... it reinforced my impression of how brave and amazing she was.

Mar 23, 2026 04:25 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

It sounded like the end of her life was quite difficult. I pray she found peace in the end.

Mar 23, 2026 12:04 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Paula. I followed Karen Anne but our paths seldom crossed here in the Rain. She was indeed feisty. Great tribute for a great Rainer. Enjoy your day.

Mar 23, 2026 05:54 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Wayne. I loved her feistiness. 

Mar 23, 2026 12:04 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Sadly, I never got to know Karen, but it sounds like she was a wonderful participant in the Rain!

Mar 23, 2026 06:07 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You would have enjoyed having a robust banter with her, Brian.

Mar 23, 2026 12:05 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I just went back and reread her last posts and all the comments. It sounds like she hung on for a long time, and her ActiveRain friends (family) never stopped trying. 💔

Mar 23, 2026 06:23 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I think the end of her life was wrought with challenges. This group of people never stopped reaching out to her.

Mar 23, 2026 12:05 PM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

This is now 19 years for me in the rain. I have had so many that have passed on. Two friends that come to mind...  Liz Carter and Lou Ludwig

It was difficult to find out I would no longer be able to comment on their posts. 

Mar 23, 2026 06:24 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I know, Jeffrey. We all get so used to our back-and-forth commenting that when they are gone, there is a piece missing here.

Mar 23, 2026 12:06 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Paula,

Even though I did not have personal interaction with Karen, I knew of her. 

Reading this is a reminder that the connections we make in this community are real and lasting, even after we are gone. 

There is something comforting in knowing that even after someone is gone, their words and the way they showed up continue to touch others. 

 

Mar 23, 2026 06:43 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, these connections are real and lasting. We have a unique group here in the Rain.

Mar 23, 2026 12:07 PM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Paula, this is a touching tribute and a meaningful reminder of how real the relationships we build here can become. Voices like Karen Ann’s leave a lasting impression because they are authentic, heartfelt, and courageous. Even years later, the memories and the impact she made continue to bring people together. Thank you for honoring her legacy and for encouraging reflection on the friendships and connections that shape our professional communities.

Mar 23, 2026 06:53 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I couldn't believe how long it had been since she passed. 

Mar 23, 2026 12:07 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Karen was a lovely and spunky lady!  I so remember her calling me one day to alert me about somebody here in town bad mouthing me.  She knew what they were saying wasn't true.  I was sad to learn she passed.  I've thought of her often and it always bring a smile to my face.

Mar 23, 2026 10:59 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Now, Anna - who in the world would badmouth you? I love it that Karen Ann stood up for you. Yes, spunky is the word for her!

Mar 23, 2026 12:08 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Paula- I'm so grateful to you for helping us remember "Ms Karen" as I always called her. I loved her posts and I also loved getting a comment from her. She was indeed a very special person. I went back to her last post and found myself reading several of her other posts again. 

Mar 23, 2026 05:39 PM