Karen Elizabeth Vick, our beloved Daughter, Mother, Grandmother "MeeMah", Sister and Friend passed away peacefully in her home on November 27, 2015 following natural causes from Congestive heart failure, Amyloidosis and multiple Myeloma. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of this incredible woman. We celebrate her amazing life and beautiful smile.
Karen was born on June 11, 1966 in Los Angeles, CA. She was a Native California girl who went to Hazeltine Elementary, Bellermine Jefferson High and Mira Costa High. In her younger years, Karen shared her life with her Mom and Stepdad in Manhattan Beach and her Dad and Stepmom in Santa Clarita, CA. As a teenager, Karen was a fashionable valley girl. She loved to roller skate, she loved 80’s music, especially Madonna, Prince, and Billy Idol (who Julie says, Karen met and he complimented her on her leather jacket), and she loved to be her best dressed and always accessorized with one of the many, many purses in her collection. It was her beauty, inside and out, that caught the eye of Joe Vick who quickly won her over as well. Together they raised 4 amazing children who quickly became Karen’s pride and joy. Karen’s life was all about her kids. She was their cub scout leader, their YMCA youth organizer, she put on countless plays, and threw too many amazing birthday parties to count and at each one would be one of Karen’s famous birthday cake creations. She was so proud, as well, of being a military mom. Karen wholeheartedly supported our country and its values and she raised not one, but three young men who gave back to their countries through their service.
Karen was the communicator of the family. She was ‘old school’ and wrote letters to everyone, her friends, her family in Michigan, her family in Australia, her family away in the marines and those close to home. She was quite the writer who poured her emotions out through her purple pen. Our family was strong and our parties were loud because Karen would never leave anyone off of the invite list. Her kind smile, bright eyes and eternally positive spirit are why so many people’s hearts were touched by Karen during her short stay here with us all.
This is a direct quote from Karen’s facebook page:
I don't expect perfection from anyone and refuse to waste time with anyone who expects it from me. My kids are the nicest, coolest, most generous and honest people I know. They are proof to me that I'm doing at least one thing TOTALLY right and for that I am very proud. I'd do anything for my family and friends and I know they'd do the same for me, I am a very fortunate woman in that respect.
Karen Elizabeth Vick will live on through her parents Pamela and Robert Doherty and Wayne and Patricia Schultz, her children Jesse, Cody, Amber, and Austin, her siblings Eric Bordo, Laura Schultz, Taylor Doherty, and Ryan Doherty and most preciously through her grandchildren Wyatt, Mason, Travis and Bonnie.
Family and friends are invited to funeral services to be held Sunday December 6th, 2015 at 2pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street in Ventura. There will be a celebration of Karen’s life following the services at The Clocktower Inn, 181 E. Santa Clara Street in Ventura, CA.
In lieu of flowers the family would love your support with donations toward the Amyloid Research Fund. Mail all donations to Boston University School of Medicine, Amyloid Research Fund, 72 East Concord Street K-503, Boston MA 02118.