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Karen Patricia Lawton, daughter of Robert and Oria Lawton, died at her home, with family at her side, on December 11, 2016 in Pittsford, Vermont after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Karen was born on September 22, 1956 in Saint Albans, Vermont and was predeceased by her parents Bob and Oria Lawton from Bennington Vermont. She grew up in Bennington and graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School in 1974. She then went on to earn a degree in interior design and arts from Bauder College in Miami, Florida.
Karen married Robert Christian and the couple settled in Pittsford, Vermont where they raised their son Bradley Christian. She was a prolific artist, designer, and business owner, she lived a creative life and developed a vast collection of artistic works.
Karen found another passion in her final years supporting rescue animal groups and she became deeply involved with Poor Paws Rescue to foster and find forever homes for rescue dogs from throughout the country.
She remained a brave, funny, loving, iron-willed woman, even throughout her final months.
Karen is survived by her Son Bradley Christian of Pittsford, her brother James Lawton, his wife Kiah Morris and their son Jamal of Bennington, her brother Dean Lawton and his wife Connie Lawton of Jericho, Vermont, their children Jason and Jobeth, her cousin Victoria Jacobs and her former husband Robert Christian as well as loving relatives and dear friends near and far.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Bennington Elks Lodge at 125 Washington Ave. in Bennington on January 29th, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and are all welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Poor Paws Rescue at Poorpawsrescue.org or Poor Paws Rescue, 5 Thrush Mews, North Brunswick, NJ 08902.
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Cathy Leonard (Mook)
Karen & I met in 8th grade, walking towards one another in the school hall way wearing the same exact dress! That is when the giggling began. We shared home room and sat next to each other - La and Le. We became fast friends. During our teenage years,my Dad dubbed us “the giggle girls.” As we grew into women our bond became stronger,supporting each other through life's ups & downs.
She was a soft spoken talented artist and creative interior designer. A strong, independent woman with a huge heart. She was very caring and always put others first. At her lowest, she was there for others with gifts, encouraging words, and always giggles. Even four legged creatures. She fostered dogs, and eventually kept one for her own, Scruffy. Scruffy was her constant companion and comfort to her during her illness. She was always up for an adventure or challenge. Her biggest challenge came two years ago with her diagnosis of cancer. She referred to each step as her adventure, and often told me “I wonder what my next adventure with this will be?” She met each adventurous step head on with strength, dignity, grace, and HUMOR.
During one of my most recent visits, she was questioning her purpose on this earth, what had she really done to make a difference? I told her we all are like pebbles thrown into a pond. The ripples of our life's spread to others around us in ways that we may not even realize. I told her her greatest accomplishment is her son! She has given him all her gifts. She loved angels and had a small collection of them in her home. I told her that when ever I have a challenge in my life, I will think of her, and look to find the humor in the struggle as she so bravely did. That is her gift to me and she now is my forever angel.
Madelyn Fonteneau
I grew up w/ Karen in grade school- Sacred Heart. A beautiful soul. I'm saddened by her passing. Please send me/provide an address for her son so I can send a card of my condolences. I have made a donation in her memory to poorpawsrescue