Obituary of Karen Marie Lacy-Roberts

Karen Marie Lacy-Roberts, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully in her home in Olympia, Washington on May 15, 2019.  Karen was born on June 30, 1960 in Richland, Washington.  She grew up in Richland and lived there until she was 18.  Karen then attended Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman where she met her husband of 38 years, Doug Lacy-Roberts. 

Karen received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from WSU and a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) from Seattle University.  Karen spent much of her life helping others and was a strong social justice advocate.  Karen worked and volunteered in many social service agencies in Washington, California and Arizona, and she enjoyed teaching English as a second language to adult immigrants at the Tacoma Community House.  Karen was a very compassionate individual who had a knack for helping others, especially those less fortunate then her.  She also facilitated a support group for parents who had lost a child from stillborn, miscarriage, SIDS and infant loss.

Karen loved travel and adventure.  She traveled to 49 states and five continents.  Her favorite trip was to South America where she visited Peru, Argentina, Chile and Brazil.  She was particularly fond of Peru where her favorite places to visit were Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. 

Karen was a loving, caring and outstanding mother to her 14-year-old daughter, Jadan.  Karen and Doug adopted Jadan at nine months from a Catholic orphanage in Panama City, Panama.  Jadan was a great joy to Karen and Jadan has Karen’s smile.

Karen (58 years old) is survived by her husband, Doug; her daughter, Jadan; and her four siblings, Pat Lacy, Linda Lacy, Paul Lacy and Robert Lacy.  She was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Lacy; her mother, Irene Lacy; and her son, Cameron, who died at birth. 

Karen will be greatly missed by those lives she touched and nurtured.

Donations may be made in Karen’s name to her favorite charities: (a) Agros International; (b) Panza Quixote Communities; (c) Southern Poverty Law Center; and (d) UMCOR – United Methodist Committee on Relief.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held to remember Karen on Sunday, June 30, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Olympia (FUMCO), 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501, phone (360) 943-2661.