In Memory

Karen Graves - Class Of 1969

Karen Graves

Karen Graves

July 28, 1951 - August 11, 1974



 
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04/28/22 06:24 AM #1    

Michael Atherton (1968)

One of the sweetest nicest people I knew in high school. She deserves to be remembered. Tragic. 


07/05/23 03:08 AM #2    

David O Graves (1968)

 

    I will always remember Karen for her wonderful smile and brown lustrous eyes, her infectious personality, and her adventurous spirit. Our paths crossed many times in the years preceding her departure from South Pasadena to Alaska. The late 60s were in full bloom and she was a truly free spirit of those times. She even hitched to the first Woodstock, I think with Patty Schuman. 

   She was also a frequent visitor at the Fisher House on Stratford and friends with many of the young people who congregated there Vicki, Talley, Christie, Heather, Cush and Carl and Bill and Phil S, and many more. This was all made possible by the kind forbearance of Mrs. Fisher who would have the young people in a safe home environment as much as possible instead of out and about getting into mischief. 

    I was able to visit with Karen a number of times in AK, some before I was drafted into the Army but mostly after. I couldn't help but notice a significant change in her behavior and manners. Her "easygoing" buoyant nature had become much more serious and introspective.   

   In what must have been a dark and terrible time for her she attempted suicide in August of 1974. She was alone somewhere on the Kenai peninsula, I think possibly Homer. She failed in her attempt and was essentially left brain-dead. My mother and father had to make the most difficult decision parents could make...to keep her alive or allow her to pass. After a few anguished days, they chose to let her go. She was 23 yrs. old.

    May she rest in peace.

    David Graves      July 2023

   

    

 

    


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