Friends, family, and friends who are like family-

This is Karen's son, Steven. I'm sad to share that my mom passed away peacefully last Sunday, February 18.

After defying the odds and beating the initial prognosis of her cancer for over a year, last fall my mom began requiring assistance for daily activities, and moved to an assisted living facility in December. In early January, her oncologist prescribed hospice care.

I'm happy that before she passed, my mom got to hold her grandson, and take peace in knowing that she is now free of any worry or suffering. She has been reunited with family and friends that I know she had missed for some time.

It was her wish to not have any formal arrangements.