Karen Dierks Rosales, our Mother, Sister, Daughter, Cousin, and Friend, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014. We had the great honor of being with her as she began her final journey.

Karen was born in San Jose, CA, on December 13,1956, to Norman and Cheryl Dierks, and shared her childhood with her sisters Linda and Stacey. Karen lived most of her life in California, where she raised her daughter Jennifer and son Eric. She moved to Vashon Island in 1997 and became more Islander than most. She loved the Island and its diversity of people and art and music, but mostly she loved its beauty. Her favorite place was Lisabeula Park where she walked her dogs and took in the beauty of the inner passage.

Karen was so much to so many; she was friend and confidante, mother and sister, partner in crime. She had the ability to make us laugh even at the most inopportune times. She was very complex yet so simple. She was a woman who stayed true to her teachings in this life; kindness, compassion, and acceptance of others were her guiding beliefs. Hardest on herself when she failed to live up to these standards, Karen always fought hard to be better and do better.

Her battle is over now, and we are left with wonderful memories of her laughter, her ability to advise even when it wasn’t what we thought we should hear, her warmth, her embrace, and her love. Karen loved her children, family and friends above all else in her life, and we will miss her deeply…

Karen is survived by her daughter Jennifer Palafox (Valdemar); son Eric Rosales; sisters Linda Velo and Stacey Canary (Chris); grandchildren Adrian, Lisette, and Cristian Palafox; niece and nephews Nick, Kyle, and Travis Velo, and Jack and

Stefanie Canary; stepmother Connie Dierks; and many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Cheryl Dierks and father Norman Dierks.

We were born before the wind

Also younger than the sun

Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic

Hark, now hear the sailors cry

Smell the sea and feel the sky

Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic

A celebration of her life will be held at the Vashon Eagles from 2-5 on December 20. The event will be a potluck so please bring your favorite dish and a good story.

Paid Obituary.