Say Hello to Karen
Lived In: Long Beach, CA;
Birth Year: 1951
Resident Of: Spring Meadows
Descriptors: Music Lover. Great Listener. Smiler Extraordinaire.
Superlative: Most Likely to Light Up the Room
Quote: “Seniors have lived through some extraordinary things, and our stories can enrich people’s lives.”
They say it’s what’s inside that counts, and inside Karen K. is a seemingly endless spring of positivity. Through setbacks and hardships big and small, she’s prioritized happiness at every turn.
“I’ve been smiling my whole life,” said Karen. “Everyone has problems, but you can’t dwell on that. Dwell on the good stuff instead. And use what you have inside to shine your light on others.”
One potential source of Karen’s light is a lifelong love of music. She played her first piano solo when she was four years old, taught herself guitar, and graduated from San Jose State University with a music degree as a mezzo soprano. She’s been featured on the radio, was featured in a segment on Good Morning America, has conducted choirs, and is known for bursting into song spontaneously wherever she goes.
But all that light and love is wasted if it’s not shared. Karen is a consummate people person, a great listener, and is always ready to give what she can to friends in need.
“I love music and I love people. That’s why I’m happy,” said Karen. “People need to see that no matter what's happening in their lives, you can always choose to smile.”