Remembering Karen Hancock
At the age of 80, Karen E.M. Hancock passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2024. She was the daughter of John and Jane Murnane of Waterbury, Connecticut and was the eldest of four siblings; John Murnane (Judy), Daria Phelps (Scott), and the late David Murnane. Karen was married to Thomas Ayles Hancock for 57 years. In the course of their life together they lived in Hawaii, California, Arizona, and Washington.
No matter where in the world they were, Karen was always active in the community. She was involved with local food banks, clothing drives, and all varieties of community support organizations. Karen’s formalized membership in DAR, PEO, and the National Assistance League were cornerstones in her life. She gave, advised, rolled up her sleeves, and made philanthropy a reality wherever she was.
Karen’s culinary skills and her ability to gracefully host gatherings were a treat to all in her realm. She loved her family fiercely and did an amazing job of knowing each one’s stories, their interests, and their special gifts. Karen loved to talk with people, to ask questions, to learn from them, and to laugh with them. Never a wallflower, you knew when she entered a room. She held her space with grace and dignity, and was always fully present and participatory. Karen loved life and celebrated with her energy and enthusiasm on a daily basis.
The majority of her last 30 years were spent on Guemes Island. Karen and Tom’s life was notably steady, loving, and welcoming to friends and family alike. They lived and shared in simple abundance. Their partnership in life and love was admirable to all who were fortunate enough to know them. She will be lovingly remembered by siblings, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and most of all by her supportive husband.
“Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint of snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift uplighting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.”
If you have a memory or story to share of our beloved one, please do so at: http://www.evanschapel.com.