Karen Lynn Pearce, 50, of Tampa, FL died June 3rd, 2011.
Ms. Pearce was born April 16, 1961 in Tampa to Donald and Barbara (Batchelder) Pearce (Putnam, Quinn).
She is survived by her daughter, Savannah Pearce; sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Troy Goodson of Temple City, California; brother and sister-in-law Keith and Samantha Putnam of Tampa; loving nieces Brittney and Brianna Putnam of Dacula, Georgia; Sophia and Simone Goodson of Temple City, California; and Tempest Putnam of Tampa.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents Donald Pearce and Barbara Quinn; and brother Kevin Pearce, all of Tampa.
Karen graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1979. She continued her education at Hillsborough Community College graduating in 1981 with a degree in Nuclear Medicine. She began her career working for a hospital in Punta Gorda, FL, traveling home on weekends to be with her family. Her strong family ties drew her back to Tampa. She began working at St. Joseph's hospital in 1985. In 1991, she graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She dedicated herself to St. Joseph's hospital for twenty-one years with the exception of a five-year period where she practiced in a private outpatient setting.
During her career, she was a patient care provider in both the Lab and Imaging sections of Nuclear Medicine. She then transitioned her duties to become a Systems Analyst. Karen was an integral part of building and supporting the Radiology Information computer-based application.
Karen had the keen ability to pay attention to what was going on around her and gather information that may help someone or solve a problem if need be. She had the uncanny ability to be a resource to others when it was most needed. She would always listen to people when they felt they had a problem. If she did not think it was legitimate, she would not have an issue telling you. Sometimes, Karen came across as a closed off person. However, once you got a glimmer of her essence, it was dazzling. She took every opportunity to demonstrate her Christian values and faith to all she encountered.
She was caring, without condition. Often, when it was least expected. She would have a smile when you needed it, a push when you asked for it, and a reality check when you deserved it. Karen is understated, easily overlooked and impossible to replace. It is amazing to know the spectrum of people that she touched.
Karen made an impact on so many people over her lifetime. At Center Pointe Church and Grace Family Church, she served for 28 years in youth ministry, children's ministry, and community outreach, focusing on children in a group foster care facility.
Simultaneously, she served and loved people everywhere, in any way she could. That was her gift. She loved God and others. There is no greater commandment.
She was the quiet person behind the scenes, always giving and never drawing attention to herself; never asking for anything in return. It is easy to overlook a person like that, but impossible to forget or measure the love, kindness, grace, and joy she brought to so many.
If you have a memory, story, or thought regarding Karen, we would love for you to share on this site. People like Karen inspire us, and we want to provide the opportunity for these shared memories and stories to continue the life-changing impact that she had on us all. We love you Karen. Thank you , thank you, thank you!! You will be so missed.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Services will be held Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Grace Family Church. Visitation with the family will begin at 6:30 p.m. Services will be 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. followed by dessert and coffee.
Grace Family Church
5101 Van Dyke Rd.
Lutz, FL 33558
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS
We ask you to make a donation to the family on Karen’s daughter, Savannah’s behalf. There will be a basket at the Guest Book table at the memorial service, or you can send a check to Karen’s sister, Kathy Goodson, 10946 Danbury Street, Temple City, CA 91780.
Please sign the registry below.
I am so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Sincerely,
Saundra Ebeling
Karen was always a servant wherever she went. She served my daughter at High Places which was a delight for me. Karen and her mother served Libertas Academy when Savannah was a student. She served at Libertas so unnoticed that no one realized that the worked had been done; she was so very quiet as she worked. Karen was always two steps ahead of Savannah! Savannah was blessed to have a mother that was always looking after her best interests at school, church , and friends. Karen was truly loved by all and will be missed by all. Much love to her family and friends, Hannah Vickery
Words cannot describe how Karen impacted my life. She was a great friend for the past 23 years. At a very difficult time in my life, she opened her open to me, she was always there at just the right time with that special call or card, she was an angel on earth and I will miss her. Love you much
Sandy, Brett and Amanda Rhodes
Words cannot describe how Karen impacted my life. She was a great friend for the past 23 years. At a very difficult time in my life, she opened her open to me, she was always there at just the right time with that special call or card, she was an angel on earth and I will miss her. Love you much
Sandy, Brett and Amanda Rhodes
I did not know Karen that well, but my sister Sally talked of her so often that I felt I knew her. Everything I heard was positive and I know that Karen loved her family and dedicated herself to her daughter. I wish you comfort in knowing that she is now with our Lord and that you will see her again. For her she will see you in just a blink of an eye, but for us it will seem like forever until you see her again. Find comfort in the happy memories and keep the faith that happy times will come again when you are reunited with her.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Karen poured her life into the young people including my children. Thank you, Karen.
I’ve known Karen for many years from Grace Family Church. She was quiet spoken and always had a smile on her face. She was a great mom to Savannah. I will always remember Karen as someone who loved God and people with all her heart. She will truly be missed.
I remember Karen from when we went to CenterPointe church when it was still called Calvary Temple. She was so pretty, and always smiling.
Sweet Karen my friend of many years, how I shall miss you! I love you sweetie and know you dance with angels and Jesus!
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss.
I remember when your parents moved in next door to us she was just a little girl.
She was kind and caring.
She will be missed.
Arlene
It’s been a long time but I think of the family often. I’m sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. My prayers are with the family. She will be sadly missed but the memories will always keep her in your hearts.
Karen will be missed. So sorry for the family’s loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love to all family and friends, Barbara
Karen will be greatly missed by those who knew her. She was in my first Advanced Placement Chemistry class at Hillsborough and was the powerhouse behind keeping that class together as a unit. We had many get togethers she organized. Karen kept encouraging them to celebrate life and do their best. She always had a smile.
I met Karen when I was 16 and started attending High Places youth ministry and Calvary Temple. She was a friend to everyone. Always quiet but very sweet. When a friend in High School went missing Karen stood in the doorway all night passing out flyers at youth group. That so touched my heart an all of the students at Chamberlain High. I later served in youth ministry with Karen and remember fondly spending time with her back at the retreat center while the others went skiing. We played in the snow and took a walk down a path. Both of us were Florida girls so the snow itself was fun. We did not need to ski.
Karen was always a servant and a good friend to Pastor Craig and Debbie. She was like a 2nd mom to Dara and Brent. That was no task to great for Karen. She would do whatever it took to get the job done and not complain.
Although I have not seen Karen in probably 10 years I will always remember her with a smile. I can’t wait to get to heaven and see Karen serving our Lord.
Praying for the family and Savannah. I have lost a parent but I was much older.
I knew Karen, in 1998 when I came from Brazil to study english at University of Tampa.
I lived on her house as a roomate.
She was an angel, And I m really sad.
I would like to Know about her dougther, how old is she now….
And what was the cause of her death!!? natural!?
Maybe her mom remember me when I went to her house, and she shome all her collection, from coke!!
She took me to a barbecue at church.
I remember the house on cherry creeck dr.
Another roomate that we have!! YVONE!!
SHE WAS VERY SWETY AND KIND! and IM REALLY SAD!!