Karen Chiyeko Miyake Obituary (1948 - 2014)

Karen Chiyeko Miyake was brought into this world by Mitsuyoshi and Mary, 11 August 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah. After more than a year of battling with cancer, her physical being could no longer endure, and our loved one succumbed to her illness, 29 October 2014 at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Although radiation treatments helped to shrink her tumor and alleviate some pain, her already petite frame could not recover. Karen began her childhood in Wyoming and spent most of her youth in the Salt Lake area. She attended Kemmerer Grade School, Lafayette Elementary, Horace Mann Jr. High, West High, and South High. She started her career at Makoff's Department Store and finished it at OC Tanner Jewelers. Although Karen did not have the opportunity to fully enjoy her retirement, she was able to join in on many family and social celebrations. She didn't get to see the whole world, yet she did cruise the Caribbean and was able to take a helicopter tour of Hawaii. Like her mother, Karen enjoyed shopping, crocheting, crafting, and collecting things like souvenir spoons, shot glasses, and recipes; more than that, she loved her dogs. She had no children other than her puppies to worry about. However, she did help nurture two nephews and a niece. We will miss her thoughtful gifts, kindness, and even her quirks that endeared her to us. She would send a present even if she wasn't able to attend a party. She feared driving, even though she maintained a license; and somehow she found the courage to drive one foggy night on the hilly, winding streets near San Francisco after enjoying a night out with her mom and sister. She did not regularly partake in alcoholic beverages, but on rare occasions had a glass of wine and got a little silly. She always liked to be involved and to socialize. She would not pass on any opportunity to celebrate an event--"when is it, are you going, what can I bring?" Although she was not an active member of the Buddhist Church, she would make an effort to support the annual events like Nihonmatsusri, Obon, and the Bazaar. Karen's family thanks so much everyone who provided support, meals, equipment, and care during her time of need. She felt so blessed that so many people were thinking about her and willing to help in any way. With love from your sister Linda Robinson (husband Phil), brothers Roy and Jim Miyake, niece Kim Miyake, nephews John and Michael Miyake (wife Somsri, great niece Makhira, great nephew Kaiden), Craig Burns (great niece Kaitlin), and Mark Burns (wife Kathleen, great nephews Bryce and Kyle), we send you off to the loving embrace and care of your Mom and Dad, older sister Judy Serafino, and nephew Robert Serafino. Let's release the pain and negativity that was a very small part of her life and hold on to the lighter moments when we laughed together, spent sunny days on vacation in a cramped car for hours touring America, and shared lunches or dinners celebrating special occasions like birthdays, reunions, graduations, and holidays. Remember the good times! Funeral services are to be held Saturday, 15 November 2014, 11:00 am. at the Salt Lake City Cemetery 355 N. Cypress Ave, (1060 E.) Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT