I'm very sorry to hear the awful news about Karen. I knew her at Hunwick Juniors and then at Wolsingham Comp., and remember her vividly as vivacious, witty, and very determined to live life on her own terms. We didn't see each other after A-levels but am glad to hear that she lived a full and rich life. I remember she was keen to travel and see the world, and it's good that she fulfilled that dream. Condolences from me and my family to Karen's daughter and to all her family. Am sure they'll miss Karen enormously.
Karen Hall (29 Jun 1965 - 11 Nov 2015)
Donate in memory of
KarenMacmillan Cancer Support
- Location
- Wear Valley Crematorium Coundon DL14 8NR
- Date
- 19th Nov 2015
- Time
- 3pm
- Location
- The Burn West End Terrace Willington DL15 0HW
- Date
- 19th Nov 2015
- Time
- 3.30pm
In loving memory of Karen Hall who sadly passed away on 11th November 2015. A free and wandering spirit who touched so many people's lives.
Eulogy: 20th November 2015 read by her mam Frances.
Karen was born in Leeds on the 29th June 1965
At 4 ½ months she sat on the floor by herself – even then she was strong willed!
And when she was 1 year old she climbed over a gate in our back yard, and decided to go for a walk by herself.
If she could get free of my hand when she was a toddler, she would. Run away - with me always running after her!
We said even then she has a wanderlust and was a free spirit.
After a few years, we moved back to the North East and she started school at Hunwick – followed by secondary school at Parkside and Wolsingham for her A levels.
During her time at Wolsingham, she became great friends and was influenced by a group of ‘bikers’ in Bishop Auckland, and spent many evenings and weekends with them. She always said she would eventually buy a motorbike of her own – despite our protests.
When she moved away from home to study Bio-Physics at University in London, she did eventually buy a motorbike – and, instead of being a doctor as we hoped, she ended up working as a motorbike courier in London in the mid 80’s to subsidise her student life!
After a year at Uni, she decided to take a gap year, and her fist job was with the New England Medical Journal. In that job, she travelled all over Europe, and then America, Canada & Australia. And she travelled much more outside of her work: visiting India. Thailand and many other countries.
She ending up living in Australia for a year, and then in Canada for 2 years.
In 2002, Karen visited Jamaica, and after a three week holiday, fell in love with the place so much, that she returned home, put her flat in Stratford (London) for sale, and then moved lock, stock and barrel to Jamaica.
She lived in Jamaica for 6 years, where she met Clarence (her husband) and where she was blessed with her daughter, Enya.
When Enya was 11 months old in 2009, Karen came back home to live.
Our lives were so enriched by having Karen & Enya living with us until 2012, and living near us in Crook for the subsequent three years.
Karen’s dream was always to return to Jamaica, but sadly, it was not to be.
We as a family feel as if our lives have been torn apart at the loss of our beautiful daughter, who , as many of you will know, was known as butterfly kazie.
As butterly Kazie, she wrote much about the ‘source’ and her spirituality.To us and many others, Karen was a source of hope, inspiration and happiness.
Karen, may you rest in peace and rise in glory.
We love you and will always miss you.
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