To Allah we belong and to Him we all return. May Allah grant her forgiveness and the highest place in Jannah for her pioneering and tireless work on behalf of the education of Muslims, both students and educators. Her dedication and professionalism stood out to me–any time I contacted her she responded quickly and thoroughly, demonstrating a passion for this work for the sake of Allah SWT.   And her smile and cheerful nature was so uplifting to all who met her in person. May Allah ease the sorrow of her family and close friends.

Karen was a visionary. She foresaw the need for the growing number of Islamic schools to connect and share resources and experience. Whenever I think of Karen, it is her heartfelt genuineness that I remember.

Karen was a supporter of Islamic schools and school leaders. Her research and the IECN are magnificent sources that she produced to promote and support Islamic education and Islamic schools. These will continue to serve educators, insha Allah. She leaves behind teachers and principals who have benefited from her insight and wisdom. She was a kind soul who was firm in her Islamic belief. There were no problems too big for Karen to handle, a testament to her faith. Educators  presented their problems frequently and she made a great effort to find solutions for them. She was supportive and encouraging and we will miss that. I will miss her presence at the Ed Forum and her light and serious comments via conference calls at board meeting. And definitely, I will miss her sharp and precise edits of anything that was to be published in ISLA’s name. Whether it was retreat descriptions or ISLA advertisements, she was sharp with a critical eye for detail.  Most of all she was a friend with whom I could share my thoughts and concerns. As any good Muslim, she would offer advice base on Qur’an and Sunnah and make du’a for me.  Although we live on opposite ends of the United States and I saw her only occasionally, her presence will be missed as if I saw her every day.