Karin Owens, 89, a longtime upper Skagit Valley resident, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Birchview Memory Care Facility in Sedro-Woolley.
She was born on July 6, 1923 in Munich, Germany, the daughter of Frances & Franziska (Flieger) Hechinger. She was raised and attended school in Germany.
In 1947 Karin married George Donaldson, a U.S. military serviceman serving in Germany. Shortly thereafter he was re-assigned to Seattle and in November 1947 she left Germany joining him there. They made their home in Seattle.
On April 7, 1956 Karin was united in marriage to Ted Owens in Seattle, where they made their home until moving to Hamilton in 1961. There they purchased the Hi-Lead Tavern which Karin operated until 1963 when they opened and operated the Owens Motel in Birdsview and then The Owens Apartments in Concrete until her retirement in 1988.
Karin loved going camping at Baker Lake where she spent many summers renting a space at Tars Resort with her many friends and family. She enjoyed nothing more than cooking a feast and heaping it on your plate. Garage sales were a passion and she would go every weekend making sure the grandkids could barter a deal. Mom spent many years doing ceramics and she loved working in her garden and yard.
Karin is survived by her 3 sons, George Donaldson and his wife Fritzi of Mount Vernon, Gary Owens of Birdsview, and Rick Owens and his wife Lori of Burlington, and her daughter, Tammy Ensley and her husband Ray of Birdsview; 8 grandchildren, Nicola McKerrigan (Brian), Traci Reuwsaat (Doug), Candan Moser (Adam), Courtney Owens, Olivia Owens, Bryan Ensley (Janalee), and Owen Ensley (Ashley), and 6 great-grandchildren, Cody, Jacob, Emmarae, Lucas, Kinsley and Jade. Brother-in-law, Russell Owens (Joanna), and sister-in-law Betty McClanahan (Gerald) all living in Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Franziska; her son, Robert Donaldson and her husband Ted Owens.
Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Hamilton Cemetery with Father Martin Bourke officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Tammy,
I just saw your Momma’s obit in the Lemley Chapel obits today online, and that beautiful picture of Karin, she looked like an Angel, I just loved her, she always put a smile on my face, she had the sweetest smile and was so genuine everytime I saw her.
She was beautiful inside and outside…always treated me special I thought, but then that is the way she treated all of us, I used to sell her AVON when i first come to WA and I always enjoyed our visits when I saw her there and at different functions in the area.
I know she will be missed by all who knew her and especially you Tammy…Mom’s and daughters are sp close and so special and no one can take their place. I lost my Mom at age 30, it was so hard, and my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of great sorrow. Just feast on all of her beautiful memories she left for all of you. I know you have plenty of pictures and memories to last a life time.
Sorry this is late, but just saw it tonight. RIP Karin, I know you are watching over your kids and grandkids that is just the kind of Momma and Grandmother you were. A beautiful example of what a Mom should be.
Tammy I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom I know was a wonderful person because you are a wonderful person. I love what you wrote in your letter to your mom it is how I feel about mine who passed the day after yours. Take Care and I will see you soon.
Tammy I amdso very sorry for loss. What you wrote about your mom is how I feel about my mom who passed the day after yours. I know she was a great lady as you are a wonderful person. Take Care
Dear George , Gary, Tammy, Ricky , So sorry Jon and I did not make it to Karens service! She was my second mom growing up! I will never forget the fun times we all had at your house ! Your mom was amazing , giving caring , loving, funny, forgiving,!! And most of all such a wonderful friend to my mom! They were the best of friends and I am sure she was waiting to meet karen as she came to heavens gate! I remember her chicken dumplings so well and her pancakes! She always made sure we had a good meal! She would let us play kick the can can till it was dark out! She was such a blessing to are family!she was always there to help in any way she could! She was such a big part of my childhood ! I loved her like she was my mom! She took such good care of us all ! She truly was a mother to us all! And I’m sure she is looking good!!!!!!!!!! ( her thing to say when she saw you) . She will be remembered every day in my prayers ! And I thank god he brought her into my life when I needed her! Thank you also Tammy for being such a good friend to me ! I will always have our child hood in my heart! You were so lucky to have her as a mom! She was truly an angel here on earth!
Karin’s Family: I wrote a message earlier, but only the heading is showing. I will try again. It was always a great pleasure to be with Karin whether in Washington or Virginia. Her cards, letters, and gifts were always delightful. Since she departed this world on the same day and month as Joanna’s mother (May 3, 1980) we will remember her on that day in the future as well as many other times. We always like to hear from all of you. You are very much in our love and prayers today. Uncle Russell and Joann
Karin’s Family: We treasure the times we were with Karin whether in WA or VA. She has departed this world on the same date (May 3) as Joanna’s mother (1980) so we will be thinking of her and all of you on that day in the future, too. The miles between us are many, but we often talk about you all and look forward to hearing from you. Be sure of our love and prayers at this special time in your lives, Uncle Russell and Joanna
Dear Tammy and family,
I have such fond, special memories of your mom. I loved to listen to her tell stories and hear her laugh
when she was telling something funny. I remember going camping at Baker Lake, staying overnight, getting
up and seeing Karin sitting at the kitchen table with her paper only to jump up and fix us breakfast. You
could’nt pull anything over on her either, such as when us girls got on the motorcycle that we wasn’t suppose
to. Karin had such a big heart for her family and friends.
You Mom Was Such A Funny Person. I’ll Always Remember The Story Of When She Got Pulled Over And Had To Use The Restroom. I Laugh Everyone I Think Of It. I’m Sorry FoR Your Loss. She Was Truly One Of A Kind
Tammy and family, I remember your mom is such a special way. I loved to hear her talk and tell stories. She was so sweet and kind. It is such a testiment to her life when I have not seen her since 1970 … yet I can still see her image and feel her kindness. May the Lord Bless all of you during this time of grief.
Judy Bell
Otto, North Carolina
Tammy, you and your family are in my thoughts at prayers at this difficult time in your life. I know I haven’t seen you in 41 years but I feel like we have re-connected since you joined my facebook page. I will never forget all my childhood friends and the fun and crazy times we had at Lyman and Hamilton schools.
Take Care,
Tammy, Gary, Rick, George and all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Karin was a beautiful, unique, caring, person and will be missed by many. May Peace be with you.
Know we love you.
Uncle Gerald and Aunt Betty
Tazewell, VA
Tammy, Rick, Gary, and George, Your Mom was a beautiful and delightful person. I so enjoyed our visits. All of you are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
My amazing Mom. I was just looking at your pictures and thinking how beautiful you were. But you were beautiful on the inside also and that is what I will always remember about you. You never judged anyone and always was so optomistic. I can recount many times that you told me that it was fine and we would make it work. You was always there for me and taught me to value who a person is and not what they have. You and Dad made me who I am and gave me morals and a great work ethic. I will forever be grateful for your love of my family and proud of you both. I wish to thank you and hope that I can carry on your good works. I love you very much and will need to remember that you are always watching out for me and my family. Take care my Momma, until I see you again….. your loving daughter, Tammy
Karen was a dear woman and friend to my mother and everyone. She was a role model for me in so many ways.
Tammy is my friend and hairdresser… thinking of you and your Mom.