Karen Elaine Erickson

Karen Elaine Erickson

Karen Elaine Erickson died peacefully in her Seattle home on September 14, 2024, surrounded by her immediate family, after a long battle with angiosarcoma. She was 75 years old.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota, to Shirley and Marvin Azuz on September 8, 1949, Karen was an active member of the Jewish community from an early age.  She was involved with the local Jewish Youth Group and was recognized by her peers for her beauty and personality.  Karen attended the University of Minnesota for two years before moving west to Lake Tahoe, where she worked and played. After meeting Jim, her soon-to-be husband of 47 years, in Seattle, the two moved to Edmonds to raise their children, Erin and Michael. Many a summer, Karen, Erin and Michael made cross country road trips to Duluth to see family and childhood friends. Her connection to Duluth was strong and always a priority.

Later, Karen and Jim moved to Seattle and with her signature silliness, warmth, creativity, and kindness Karen quickly became the social butterfly of Earl Avenue. Karen shared her love, light, and laughter with the children she cared for during a nanny career that spanned decades. She had a special talent and affinity for tying pigtails, coming up with novel art projects, singing and dancing to pop songs, and simply finding the fun in everyday events while bringing out the best in everyone. Karen’s gift to working parents was equally profound. While at work, they knew their children were not only safe and well cared for, but deeply loved. In turn, Karen would often say that the gifts were mutual.

Forever friendly and gregarious, Karen was also a people connector who loved bringing everyone together. In Edmonds, Karen was well-known for helping sustain a community of moms, participating in school/sport activities and accepting people from all walks of life. Karen never left home without her camera, long before cell phones. She captured many special moments for her friends, their children and grandchildren…often with an extreme closeup!!!  It was clear: Karen loved everyone, and everyone loved Karen.

Whether at her neighborhood community center, beauty parlor, senior center (where she reigned as a champion ping-pong player), or just her front porch, Karen could talk to everyone. She would always take time to connect with others, truly listen to them (without holding back her thoughts!), laugh with them, and share gifts with them, from her patented birthday cards written in clever poems to the sweets she kept on hand.

Karen is survived by her husband, Jim, with whom she celebrated their anniversary on September 10th; daughter, Erin; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Maryann; grandsons, Toby and Preston; sisters, Roni Spaulding and Marylin Azuz; brother, Geoff Azuz; and a long list of friends whom she loved and regarded as family.

Although Karen’s immense smile, infectious laughter, generous spirit and bravery in the face of her illness will be missed, her legacy of love will forever live on in the countless people she connected with during her lifetime.

Celebration of Life for Karen to be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Ray’s Boathouse  Northwest Room. 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107. Please consider a donation in Karen’s name to Fred Hutch Cancer Center.