May 7, 1949 - Jan 18, 2011

Karen Alida Keefer-Johnson (61) died of natural causes at her home in Saranac Lake on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. 

Karen was born on May 7, 1949 in Aruba, Netherland Antilles, graduated from La Verne University in California with a degree in social work and then served as a VISTA volunteer in Florida working with the migrant population. She moved to New York State in 1979 and earned her Masters in Special Education at SUNY Plattsburgh. She taught in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake Central Schools and was passionate about the students she worked with over the years. She was an avid reader, loved cooking, and a good conversation. Thank you to all of the people that helped her with their friendship and many acts of kindness.

She is survived by one daughter Alida Marie Keefer Johnson of Olympia, WA, Basil Johnson Jr. of Saranac Lake, NY, and sisters Susan Lueken of Pacific Grove, CA, Billie Shambley (Jay) of Pittsboro, NC and Charyl Cleaver (Boyd) of Greensboro, NC and many nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces & good friend Paul Guerrette. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Cornelius Keefer and Charlotte Ruth Van Stone Keefer.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake, NY on Wednesday January 26, 2011 from 3 to 5:45 PM. A memorial service will immediately follow at 5:45 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Rick Dennis officiating.

Friends wishing to remember Karen may make memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Youth Center in care of the funeral home. 

Progress Bulletin - April 6, 1968