Karen Thuen was born February 28, 1907 in Skjaak County, Norway and passed away January 22, 2006 in Seattle. Karen left Norway in 1929 to marry her childhood sweetheart, Sigurd Thuen on January 2, 1930 in Vancouver, B.C. Four months later they settled in Seattle where they enjoyed 53 years of marriage until his death in 1983.

Karen was a Life Member of the Sons of Norway and spent many active years as a member of Southwest Garden Club, St. James Lutheran Church, Senior Center of West Seattle and First Lutheran Church of West Seattle. As a member of Children's Hospital Fauntleroy, she knitted hundreds of booties for babies at the hospital.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Clara Dempsey; grandchildren Kathleen (Stephen) Itter, Robert (Teresa) and Michael and great-grandchildren Hayley and Katy Itter and Sean and Michaella Dempsey. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law Robert Dempsey, Sr.

Karen's family would like to acknowledge the excellent care provided by all the wonderful staff at Life Care Center of West Seattle.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4105 California Avenue SW at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 4. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Hospital and Medical Center or First Lutheran Church of West Seattle. Arrangements b y Bonney-Watson Parker, Chapel, Burien, WA. 206-244-2320.