Karen Meikle, age 63, of Aberdeen, Washington, passed away Sept. 19, 2019, in Olympia, Washington. She was born in Pasadena, California, to Gordon and Lillian Meikle, on July 31, 1956.

Karen graduated from La Canada High School, La Canada, California, and earned both bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton. She was also certified in the Suzuki teaching method. Her passion for the violin took her to DeKalb, Illinois, where she taught strings programs grades four through 12 and subsequently to Aberdeen, Washington. Karen thought of her students as her kids, and she loved to teach, inspire and celebrate their successes and growth. Karen performed with many different choral and orchestral groups throughout her life. She loved to travel, swim in the ocean, find rays of sunshine, enjoy the company of her friends, and going to the theater and symphony performances.

Karen was loved and admired by the family members grieving her loss. Siblings, Thomas (Susan) Meikle, June (Jeffrey) Schutt, Bruce (Patricia) Meikle, Marilyn Meikle, nephews and nieces, Robert, Katherine (Dante), James (Elisabeth), Jennifer, Garrett, Emily and great-niece Autumn. She was predeceased by both parents and nephew Brandon. Karen created cherished families of close friends in DeKalb, Illinois, Medford, Oregon, Victoria, BC, and Aberdeen, Washington.

A celebration of Karen’s life will take place on Oct. 12, 2019, at 1 p.m, at Aberdeen High School auditorium.