Karen Ann Quinn

NOVEMBER 4, 1944 – AUGUST 21, 2018

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Karen Ann Quinn, age 73, of Katy, Texas passed away on Tuesday August 21, 2018. Karen was born November 4, 1944.

A visitation for Karen will be held Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, KATY, TX 77494. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 27, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, KATY, TX 77494. A catered reception will occur Monday, August 27, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, KATY, TX 77494.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the Quinn family.

Biography

Karen Ann Quinn will be remembered most for being a person of kindness, diligence, integrity and faith. She knew how to take care of others and be a good friend. She could connect with anyone, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Everyone acquainted with Karen knew her as a woman of faith who was natural leader in her community.

       Her parents were Fred and Betty Jones. Karen was raised in Columbiana, Ohio, with her younger brother Darryl. Karen's community involvement developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Karen enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In high school, Karen played the flute in the band and was a majorette, twirling her baton in local parades. She also enjoyed playing basketball, back at a time when girls wore skirt uniforms and played on a half court.

      Karen’s practical approach to life, and her ability to develop friendships, carried over into her college years. She was very active in clubs and groups in college, including singing in the college chorale and traveling for performances. She made many friends, several of whom remained connected to her throughout her life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Ambassador College in 1966.

      On August 12, 1966 Karen exchanged wedding vows with Terry Quinn at the Summer Educational Program Camp at Orr, Minnesota. The couple honeymooned in Canada and returned to live in Pasadena, California. One year later, Karen was blessed with a daughter, Susan. She lived in California until 1982, when the family moved to Houston, Texas.

      Karen was a true professional. While in California, Karen worked at Parsons Corporation, an engineering firm in Pasadena. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent administrator, Karen was a person who could quickly size up a situation, make decisions and take action. After moving to Houston, she worked as a teacher for Weight Watchers. Later in life, her primary occupation was travel agent. She founded Quinn Travel Services and managed it for nearly thirty years. This was work she was truly passionate about. She loved nothing more than to help others make plans for trips they would enjoy with their families. She always told them to travel while they could, because you never know what the future holds.

      Karen herself was a world traveler. During her adult life, she traveled to many places, including extensive travel throughout the Caribbean and Europe. She also visited the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, Thailand, China, and Central America. She loved to take trips, especially cruises. For their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Karen and Terry were accompanied by their daughter Susan, Susan's husband Greg, and Karen's grandchildren Brandon and Natalie, on the trip of a lifetime - a Viking River Cruise in Europe. 

      Being generous with her time and energy, Karen belonged to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a leader who enjoyed being a part of things. For example, Karen was an active member of PTANA, a travel organization, serving as the local chapter President.

     The church was tremendously important to Karen. She was ordained as an Elder in the Grace Communion International denomination and served in ordained ministry in the Houston area for several years, giving sermons and leading bible studies. She chaired the local church Advisory Council for fifteen years.

       Karen was also a lover of animals and cherished her pets. She especially loved dogs. Most recently, her family was rounded out by Charlie, a border collie, who is known throughout the neighborhood. Karen and Terry were often seen walking Charlie along the bayou out behind their house in Katy.

      Karen passed away on August 21, 2018 at at home. She fought a brave battle against cancer during the last two years of her life. Karen is survived by her husband Terry, her daughter Susan, Susan's husband Greg, her grandchildren Natalie and Brandon, and her brother Darryl and his family. It was Karen's desire to be laid to rest in the Quinn family plot in Leesport, Pennsylvania.

      All who knew her would agree that Karen was a pillar of faith in the community. She loved God and put Him first in her life. She will be greatly missed.