Karen Marie Bocek
October 12, 1961 - August 9, 2007
Obituary
KAREN MARIE BALLATA-BOCEK-MCADAMS
October 12, 1961-August 9, 2007
A Beloved Wife, Sister, Aunt, & Beautiful Person of Faith passed away this week. Born Karen Ballata and raised in Burien she came to her faith at St. Francis elementary school. Later to graduate from Highline High school, she followed studies that allowed her to work in her chosen field as a paralegal for many Seattle/Port Orchard area firms. Also known as, “The Worm Lady”, when volunteering time to help in children’s studies and reading. Karen enjoyed spending time with children peeking their curiosity and interests. Proceeded in death by her father, Robert, and mother, Barbara, Karen’s silly whimsical spark will be enduringly remembered by her surviving siblings: Joseph Carol, Laurie Scott Willott, Paul, Philip Trisha as well as her cherished nieces and nephews: Courtney, Allex , and Sammy Ballata; Joel, Joshua, and Sydney Willott. Memorial Service to be held on Monday August 20th, 2pm at Parker’s Bonney-Watson Funeral Home- Burien. Reception following. Remembrances may be made in Karen’s name at Pageahead.org since reading was very important to her. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Karen. Growing up in Burien, we all played at the Ballata’s, everyone was welcome, there was alway something to do, water balloon fights, camping out under the stars, the famous PJ run…simply the best time. My condolences to the entire Ballata family.
We are so saddened by this tragedy. Most sincerely, Marcia and Cheryl
Karen,
I met you 31 years ago, the summer of my 14th year. I was your boyfriend for 3 months. I spent my 15th birthday with you, you gave me” Framton Comes Alive” I still have it. On your 15th birthday you received a note that made you cry, I held you in my arms to comfort you. We went to different schools & except for a couple of chance meetings we lost track of each other.
I’m sorry it has taken so long for me to write, learning of your untimely death sent a flood of old thoughts & memeries through my head. I wish we had talked together as adults I think it would have been good for both of us. You still tug at the heart strings of the 14year old boy. The 46 year old man hopes you relized how loveable you were, just because of who you were.
It is with great saddness that I have to say goodbye. Goodbye Karen.
Mark
My condolences to the Ballata family for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you.
I have often thought of the entire Ballata family over the years and all of the great times we shared together as children. I am from the Van Orsow family and once lived next door to the Ballata’s mid to late 60’s. The memories are plentiful peanut butter nice ‘n juicy, camping out back, playing in the woods, riding bikes, b-day parties… and when I think of Karen I remember her red hair and infectious smile. She was always so happy and sooo much fun to play with.
May you rest in peace Karen.
Karen’s love for family overflowed to us. We are so very grateful for her welcoming arms as they enabled us to rekindle old memories while making new ones. We had a blast when Karen came to visit. The joy in her heart was unmatched. She would bring joyfful things to our attention that we had missed at our house because we lived there. She was a bright light to us and our girls, Leah and Heather. Karen was always very giving an we will miss her very much. Karen, see ya when we get there. Till then we love you mucho…..
My memories of Karen are filled with kindness, generosity, happiness and a deep love of children. I have known Karen for 12 years and am blessed to call her my friend, she will be deeply missed. My God embrace your family and provide comfort and strength during this difficult time. Rest in peace my beautiful friend.
I was your neighbor in Hazel Court, Seattle when many of you were born, and I was a friend of Joe, when he was growing up. My sister Marcia was your baby sitter and was very close to your family and especialy to your Mom. I remember all of you that were born while living at Hazel Court and have many fond memories. I was a good boy except for one time, in the summer, when Scotty Lawrence and I caught a whole gunny sack full of snakes in the Big Woods they were sunbathing on a log in the blackberries and, not really knowing what to do with such a squirming treasure, I took them over to your brand newly poured concrete driveway, White and smooth as could be, and I stood there a moment smiling and savoring the moment, and your mother Barbara came out her front door and said “What’s in that bag!”, and without hesitation, I smiled again and dumped the contents into the middle of the driveway, about 30 gartner snakes, wriggling and squirming and they all immediately headed for the yard in every direction toward your yard and gardens. Your mother simply screamed and screamed and got back in her your house behind the closed screen door. I thought it was so funny and harmless. I never got in trouble, ’cause I was basically a good boy in the neighborhood, and I always tried to protect the kids from bullies and such.
Though I was five years older, I did have some good times playing with Joe, and have often wondered how he is doing. I let Marcia know about Karen and she was sad and wondering what happened. I also told her about your mom Barbara when she passed away a number of years ago. Marcia lives in California and has 3 wonderfull children of her own who are 35, 28, and 20 – very spread out.
Anyway, thought I would share and am so very very sorry for your loss of your beautiful sister.
Michael
We remember Karen as a kind and generous person, willing to help all in need. Her bright smile and giving personality will never be forgotten. Peace be with you Karen.
Our sweet Karen,
You have left a huge hole in our
family. We will miss the smell of
your perfume when you enter the room, your unending smile and your zest for life. We will never forget and will celebrate our memories forever.
Karen has been my mentor and friend for the past 13 years. I will never forget everything she taught me in regards to my legal career and my life. Her warm, friendly spirit will live on in my memory forever. I love you Karen, and may God comfort your family.
Too many memories of Karen and the whole Ballata family to mention. Barbara was a mentor when I was a young bride; Karen babysat my kids, Jeff and Jake. We were co-workers in the Burien legal community for many years. We are all saddened by her untimely death. May Father God’s loving arms receive her in glory.
We remember Karen as a lovely girl with a great smile and boundless energy. May she be experiencing peace and joy in the arms of Christ who loved her dearly –and may you, her family and friends, find she lives on in all the wonderful memories of your time together.You all are in our thoughts and prayers–
Stan and Pat Cervenka
I went to school with Karen at St. Francis of Assisi. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. God bless your family at this time and always.
Karen was such a special person, so loving and had such a great heart! I truly enjoyed spending time with her while I was living in Port Orchard for the time. She was such a fun and spirited person. I will always remember her with a smile!