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Memorial Keepers(2)
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Karen Anne Michaud
January 12th, 1949 - April 1st, 2021
January 12th, 1949 - April 1st, 2021
"... and it is possible during the course of this relationship we'll hurt and then forgive each other, and we'll both be asked to make compromises. But I know that no matter what else happens, having you in my life to agree or disagree with, hurt or forgive, love and grow old with, is the most important thing. And if you consider the specifics, you'll see that in the end, nothing else really matters." - Kathi Daley
Karen Anne Michaud, 72, of McGaheysville, VA, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021 at her home with her family by her side.
Karen was born January 12, 1949 in Methuen, MA and was the daughter of the late James Francis and Mary Frances Foley.
Karen worked for the National Parks Service as a Chief of Interpretation and Education. She was instrumental in creating the main exhibit at Byrd Visitor Center in Shenandoah National Park. She enjoyed studying genealogy, history and loved reading, devouring any books she came across.
She is survived by her son, Darrell Michaud and wife, Helen; daughter, Alison Laszewski and husband, Matthew; and grandchildren, Ronin and Griffin Laszewski.
Please feel welcome to leave your own words and photos honoring her memory along with us.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Karen’s life with a heartfelt message.
Maureen Newton
Karen was a loving parent, and this poem from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet shares my deep impressions of that love. Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you yet they Belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls’ dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that his arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness; For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so he loves also the bow that is stable.
Michael Michaud
Karen was a kind, dedicated and loving person. Her children and grandchildren were always in her thoughts. The world is a sadder place with her passing.
Mary Cooney

Gini Laszewski
It was good to know Karen. With her we shared a family wedding, holidays and of course grandkids. Such a lovely, gentle lady. I know she is missed.
Janice Michaud
A message to Darrell and Alison and their families. I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, Karen. She was always very kind to me at the family gatherings I attended with her. I know she was devoted to her children and sacrificed much to give them a strong beginning in life. I know you will miss her but hope your memories will help get you through your sorrow.
Mary Cooney

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