Karen Navert Gabriel passed away on April 7 after a two week battle with the effects of septic shock.  She was surrounded by her husband of 56 years and her three children.

Karen was born to John & Thelma (Willis) Navert on December 11, 1943 in Mount Vernon, Washington.

She resided in several states – Washington, Louisiana, Texas (four times), Illinois, Oklahoma, California --  as her husband moved with his employment.

Karen was primarily a homemaker but had various jobs as a state mental hospital attendant, a bank teller, an apartment manager, a ceramic shop helper (where she was paid in ceramics) and a church thrift store manager.

She was especially proud of the academic achievements of her three children -- an educator, an electrical engineer and a theoretical chemist.

Karen had a passion for sending greeting cards to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays as well as 'thinking of you' updates. She was always interested in cookbooks, collecting several thousand over time.  She really enjoyed relaxing with Perry Mason reruns and her weekly visits to a thrift store looking primarily for purses, clip earrings and books.  Karen was a dedicated volunteer with the SOS food bank.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two of her three brothers (David and Gary).  Karen is survived by her husband Richard; sister Laurel (Loyal); brother Richard (Robin); son Richard (Jennifer); son Jon (Nina); daughter Margaret (Martin); grandchildren Claire, Lucas, and Hannah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Cross Lutheran church in New Braunfels on Saturday morning April 12 at 10 am.

Any contributions in her name can be directed to the Cross Lutheran Church building fund and/or the SOS food bank.