Obituary of Karen La Verne Sundell

Karen Sundell 

Karen Sundell, 54, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Gig Harbor, Washington on January 14, 2020.

Karen was born on March 8, 1965 to Lawrence Jacobson and Meredith Jacobson and grew up in Bellingham, Washington with her three sisters: Linda, Sandy, and Kathy. Karen graduated from Bellingham High School in 1983, and she attended Western Washington University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business in 1987.

Karen and Darrell Sundell fell in love in the fall of 1990. They married and resided in Puyallup before relocating to Gig Harbor where they lived for 26 years. Karen was a wonderful and loving mother to four children: Alex, Sam, Halle, and Ellah.

Karen was a spirited and adventurous soul. She consistently sought new experiences, some of which included skydiving, trying out for the TV show Survivor, and climbing Mount Rainier. Karen’s love for traveling took her to 46 states in a motorhome with her husband and children, on mission trips to Mexico with her two sons, and many destinations abroad.

Karen expressed her creativity through art and music. She often reflected on time spent in her grandfather’s workshop as a child that seeded her lifelong joy in creativity. Her artful endeavors included work with stained glass, painting, sewing, crocheting, and rock art. Karen was also a talented pianist from a young age, accompanying for churches, weddings, and choirs throughout her life. Karen passed her love for art and music on to all of her children.

Karen had a strong love for animals and welcomed many pets into her life. She adopted and fostered many cats and took care of abandoned and wounded animals.

Karen had a magnetic personality that attracted people. Her quirky sense of humor injected fun into everyday life. Karen was a big proponent of celebrating special occasions, and she created traditions around holidays and birthdays that will continue to be cherished by her family.

Karen also suffered from alcohol addiction, a disease she struggled with in her later years. While she was unable to overcome that battle, she was a fierce and persistent fighter who lived each day of her life as fully as she could. She found a strong community and support system through Alcoholics Anonymous and close friends.

Karen is survived by her husband, her parents, her four children, and her three sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held February 15th at 1:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel of Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Ave., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Fund