Karina Marie Kirk, loving wife, mother, and friend, was surrounded in love by her husband of 21 years, Ian, and her children, Kristy (24), Kelly (20), and Kyle (19), when she passed away peacefully, on September 26, 2005. She fought a valiant and courageous battle against cancer.

The daughter of Karen Garvin and George Johnson, she was born October 13, 1962, in Seattle. After graduation from Artesia High School in California, she married Ian Kirk, where they began their life together. She worked in the medical field as a biller, computer systems analyst and office manager at various companies. Her family was the joy of her life.

As a mother, she was very involved in activities concerning her children. She will be remembered for her role as president of the Kent School District PTA while her children were attending elementary school. This along with her role as president of the Highline High School Band, which her son and daughter were in as high school students, will also be remembered, as well as other school activities and parent organization, like coaching Boy/Girl Scouts.

She loved getting together with friends and family. Many who knew her will remember her sitting at her sewing machine, in the wee hours of the night, putting the final touches on that special costume, dress, or gift for someone. She was and avid collector of lighthouses and was a "shining light of friendship" to many. Doing anything to help, she always lended her helping hand or a hug right when it was needed.

She loved to sit with her dogs, Baylee and Saydee, and cats, Sophie and Gus, in the living room and pass time talking with you if you happened to stop by. Karina made the best out of a never-ending battle. She brought joy to so many people and made them realize how very special everyone was to her. Just before passing, she was able to spend time with her best friend of 26 years, Karen Lyons, and show all of us that she was a fighter and was able to make any situation, whether it bad or good, an enjoyable one. She proved to us that there was a way to fight through the pain that a disease can bring and make light out of the smallest things. Karina's robust laugh will forever echo in our memories of time spent with her. She will be greatly missed, as she touched the lives of many.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 2, at 2 p.m. at New Life Church, 15711 152nd Ave S.E., Renton.