Guestbook

I worked with Karen all of the years( 12 I think) she was at the JCC. I think the greatest blessing came to Karen when she quit taking care of two year olds and started being a caregiver for infants and toddlers. She had really found her calling! She was so wonderful with the “babies”. She loved them and they loved her. It was truly a match made in heaven. Karen blessed all of the staff with the love and care she gave over the years to all of those children. She will be very much missed.I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with Karen all of those years.

I was among the many lost kids that had the honor to know Karen for more then half of my 35 yrs of life. The running joke between us was that i followed her from job to job. She was my second mom. Someone i could go too and pour my feelings out to and she never judged me. I saw her go thru some very hard times and she never faltered. She had amazing strength and she shared that with everone that got to know her. She was also a great friend and coworker. People used to argue about who was going to work in the Duckling Room. Her laughter and smile were contagious. The kids lives she touched loved her and looked at her with deep admiration. Those of us that worked with her learned alot, laughed alot until we cried, and while we were with her got to see a true Lady in action. We will love and miss you Karen. Your journey with us has ended but now we have you up in heaven to finish your journey looking down at us and caring from a far. Im blessed to have known you. Thank you for all of the years of memories.

So sorry for your loss Aunt Karen will be missed. She was so upbeat and funny.  She was taken away way to soon.  I’m truly sadden about your loss. Give a hug to everyone. Love you all Christine

Karen was a very close friend to me she was more than a friend she was a second mother.  Karen was a loving caring and compassionate person she did for others without question. Karen cherished every moment she had with her children and grandchildren. I’m glad I was fortunate enough to have had Karen in my life. She may be gone but will never be forgotten.  RIP Karen

Mom you will be missed so much as you have touched so many lives over the years. You have been an inspiration to so many and will continue to do so even though you are not here. I love you so much and it will not be the same without you. Kristen, Jordan , and Alysha will never forget you also. I would on behalf of my brother Scott and sister Jenn would like to thank everyone for everything they have done and write on behalf of our mother. RIP Mom as you will be missed by everyone.

Aunt Karen, you will be truly missed. I wish that I had more time to spend with you. Jennifer, Jayson and Scottie, I wish I could be there to help you through this difficult time. I will be praying for you and please let me know if I can do anything.

Love your cousin, Michelle

Karen was such a wonderful, caring person.  She was one of a kind.  When I first started working at the JCC almost 8 years ago, she somewhat took me under her wing.  We had a wonderful working relationship and she slowly became a second mom to me.  We shared teaching ideas, but most of all we shared laughs.  I could always count on Karen for a great laugh at work!  She touched the lives of countless children and families, and me as well.  I am so fortunate to have known Karen for as long as I did.  She will be greatly missed.

Karen was my daughter Julia’s teacher this past year.  We couldn’t have loved Karen more - she was so good with the babies and they all love her.  Everywhere I look around my house, there are pictures of my daughter that Karen took, projects they did for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, notes she sent home about the kids, etc.  She always said thank you for letting us care for your children.  But the thanks are to her for the beautiful care she took of our daughter and every other baby that has come through the Duckling Room.  We will miss her immensely, and give our sincere condolences to Karen’s family.

Karen will be missed by me and my family. We meet and spent so many year living across from each other on Second Ave. I give my condolences to you family at this tough time. As a young teenager growing up you was always so nice and caring, you will be miss and I keep you and your daughter in my heart.
The Metchick Family

Townsend Family - we are so sorry for your loss.  Though we did not Karen directly - we know she was a strong and caring individual - whom raised her children to be the same.  Based on knowing Jayson and seeing how he cares for his own family - we are sure she is proud and will continue to watch over you all!

Our deepest sympathy to your family - as you are in our thoughts and prayers!

Like everyone that was fortunate enough to have a child in Karen’s class, we thought Karen was just awesome.  My 2-year-old son, Dooley adored her and talks about her all the time.  We were blessed to have known her and will miss her tremendously. She was a fine lady with the kindest of hearts.  Thank you, Karen, for always being so wonderful.

My son, Dooley, loves Karen so much as all of the children she cared for do. Even after moving out of her class up to another class, without prompting, Dooley would request that he go to “Karen’s house”. He was never shy with her and trusted her completely. Her spirit was warm, kind and loving, and the children always felt that, as did the parents. She always had a smile to give and kept us well documented with photos and little notes at the end of each school day. She loved her kids and she has touched so many lives through her work and will not be forgotten. We all will miss her. Our sympathy to her family and coworkers.

R.i.p. Karen, i will never forget the many times of coming over ur house n playing with scott n jay in the yard n sleepovers we had, u were one of the great little league moms as well n u were always dedicated to the kids in everything u did from working the concession stand to making sure we stopped fighting with eachother,u had the love n heart that every mother should have n u should be proud of the many lives that u touched. You r now in the hands of GOD n i know u r looking down on jay, scott ,n jenn, i also know when u got to the gates my mom was there to welcome u with open arms, keep an eye out for all of us for your children will need guidance still as they keep u in thier hearts, i personally thank u for touching ny life in a positive way n may u rest ib peace for eternity. P.s. Tell my mom hello n that i miiss her n love her, much love n respect for u always ms. Townsend

Jay, Scottie, & Jen I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Although its been quite a few years since we have all been together and the “original ball park kids” are now grown up I can still remember the many times seeing your mom down at the park and at the many “Townsend” events. She was always smiling and no matter how bad of a day she had if someone was down in the dumps she quickly said “well there’s always tomorrow"She will definitely be missed but just cherish all the good times and it will help you get through the hard times. Its what she would want from all of us anyways. Again Im sorry for our loss and you will all remain in my prayers as you go through this time.

Dear Townsend Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I knew her a very long time ago, when Kristin was a little girl. I know that Karen was devoted to her family and worked hard to do her best as a Mom. She and Billy made lots of hard choices for their young family, but it sounds you all turned out to be wonderful people-a real tribute to both of your parents!
Karen’s legacy is “long and strong”. Her spirit will be with you always.

Hearing about Karen was and still is a shock. To put it mildly, our family is truly upset. Our daughter Katelyn is currently in the Duckling room and we are extremely saddened by this news. As first time parents, it was hard to rely on daycare for care, but Karen made it comfortable. We trusted her completely with Katelyn and we saw a difference in her growth because of their relationship. Karen always greeted Katelyn with a big smile and excitement in the morning and was sad to see her leave at the end of the day. Karen gave us a lot of advice along the way and helped us adjust. She was so caring and loving in that way. She just wanted to help and she always new the best technique or trick to try! Kevin and I view Karen as one of Katelyn’s first “friend” and she will certainly be missed. This is a true loss for our family, the JCC, and all of her loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you at this time. Karen will never be forgotten. She holds a special place in our hearts and we will always think of her and remember. Especially when she blew Katelyn kisses… Mmmaaaaauuu. That’s for you Karen from Katelyn. God Bless.

We were one of the lucky families that had a child in one of Karen’s classes at the JCC. With Karen we had no doubt that our son John was loved and cared for and he flourished with Karen and loved going in everyday to see her. Our deepest condolences are with your family and know that she will always be missed. We are forever grateful for all that she did for us and so many others.

Riele, Jason and John DiMarino

My deepest sympathies to Karen’s family. I worked with her at the JCC for the last 6 years, and have taught many of the same children she did. We will miss her dearly at the J, the children especially will miss her. My heart is heavy, and I hope that the memories she leaves us with will comfort us during this difficult time.
RIP Karen

Thank you all for your kind words. They help ease the pain a little. Mom would be so happy to hear all your stories. You have all made it easier to see the light in these darken times.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart Scott

Words can’t express the loss we all feel, knowing that Karen won’t be returning to the Duckling room in the JCC, her home-away-from-home for the past 12 years. I hope everyone’s kind words about her and our prayers will make it a little easier for her children and grandchildren to go on without her. We’ll do something at the J in her memory, to help keep her spirit alive, and to honor her on behalf of the many children and their families whose lives were enriched by her.