The old saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” I do not consider myself a great man, but I was certainly married to the very best woman, Karen Duncan, for 39 years. From the day we met, until the very end, she was the sweetest, most loveable, kind-hearted person. I believe that I have been married to an angel.

 

My life was forever changed the day I laid eyes on her at Ayr Way SuperMarket where I worked up the courage to say,  “Large Coke, please.” Little did I know how those three words would change my life forever. She guided me and kept me out of trouble. We used to joke that it was my “long Beatles’ haircut” that won her over because we all know what a Paul McCartney and Beatles fan Karen was. (Don’t laugh! At one time, I had hair!)

​

Karen was instrumental in helping me become the man I am today. She stood by my side when I had hearing issues as a teenager. She advocated for a life-changing surgery to correct my hearing. I truly did not know what I was missing in life before this surgery and it was because of her.

 

Karen was always a very health conscious woman. From eating healthy to taking long daily walks with her identical twin, Kathy, her healthy habits impacted me. She convinced...or should I say, “threatened” me to quit smoking after many half-hearted attempts. She inspired me to better myself in the job market and not settle for just a paycheck or a dead-end job.

 

Six years later from the exact date that we met, we were married on April 28, 1979. We created a wonderful life together with so many special memories. Danny and I were really introduced to the “twindom” and bond between Karen and Kathy by living in a duplex.  (Someday I am going to write a book, Kathy! ). We had no idea the fun that was ahead, but also how it would impact our children.

 

Karen welcomed motherhood with her same loving and sweet attitude. She blessed me with two wonderful daughters and is the reason they are the women and mothers they are today. Our girls were blessed to have two sets of parents and developed a special bond with each other that started with Karen and Kathy. Her nieces, Dana and Kim, called her “Care Bear” and she truly displayed that virtue every day being a mom and aunt to our girls. Karen was an excellent mother and guided our girls along the way inspiring Denise to become an Ultrasound Technician and Jennifer to become a second-grade teacher. One of her proudest moments was planning their weddings. She thought of everything from Denise’s Valentine's theme to Jennifer’s teacher theme. She even surprised Jennifer by having her students sing at her wedding. For those who attended, you know what a good time we had at both. She made every moment for our girls unforgettable! Now, we have 6 grandchildren and she has impacted them all in her own special way.

 

Looking back on the years, “fun” doesn’t even begin to describe our life together. Traveling the world was something Karen loved. Karen and I even took her ailing father to Italy, one last time, before he passed away to explore their family ancestry. From the glaciers of Alaska to the islands of Greece, Hollywood, Florida was the closest to her heart. The boardwalk was the twins' stomping ground. Their daily 9 mile walks included checking out the dog beach, playing practical jokes on their girls, always shopping and brewery hopping.

 

 

Karen put everyone else's needs first. When her father became ill, she went down every evening after work to sit with him and be by his side, until the very end. She was an artist and loved making the world a more beautiful place. Some of her art is still at St. Mark Catholic School where she designed a schoolwide tile project with all of the students.  This tile wall still brightens the hallways of the school today.

 

 

Karen was an avid animal rights activist. I have lost count of how many stray animals we found homes for. We called her the neighborhood “St. Francis” because she would not let a day go by without spoiling the neighborhood animals with treats. She wanted to be a voice for those that could not talk. Even after she was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma and was very sick, she protested against the circus and was significant to Ringling Brothers closing their doors. This was an accomplishment she was very proud of. Looking back, I was inspired seeing her getting all bundled up on that rainy and cold night, as I stayed home. Her passion for animal rights will live on through myself, Kathy, our girls, and grandchildren.

 

 

We went from dating to being married to a twin, traveling the world together, parenting, and becoming empty nesters with a house full of dogs. We truly have been through everything together, including fighting this terrible Glioblastoma. She attacked this disease as she did everything else and made us all stronger with her positive attitude. Being faced with this terminal illness, she has given me specific instructions. These include how to take care of our kids and grandchildren, our dogs, her neighborhood animals, strays, and Kathy (no offense Kathy, but that was a LONG conversation!). She organized things in our home to make it easier for the girls and I. With her caring spirit, Karen took care of everything, even in the end. What a woman!

 

 

To say “I love you” does not cover the spectrum. Although she will no longer be here, the memories of the life we created together will live on in my heart and soul. Since you were my angel on Earth, Karen, continue to watch over us until we meet again and I say those three words, “Large Coke, please.”

 

 

Love you to the moon and back!

Que Sera Sera!

What will be, will be!

 

Your Husband,

Keith