Karen Hess Obituary

Lifelong Alaskan, Karen McQuaid Hess, 59, passed away February 19, 2014, at Alaska Native Medical Center surrounded by her children.

Karen was born May 17, 1954 to Robert and Yvonne McQuaid. She Graduated from West high School in 1972 and then attended the University of Oregon, where she earned her Associates degree.

Always the adventurer, Karen hitchhiked across the US with her dog, Kiska, before returning to Alaska. Karen held various jobs while exploring her home state, working as a ship's cook, a caretaker at Katmai National Park, and a clerk for a mining company. Here, she met her husband, Robert Hess. They married in 1978 and spent their honeymoon fishing various lakes of Southcentral Alaska. Robert and Karen welcomed two children into their lives and continued their adventures as a family. They both held long careers at the State of Alaska, Department of Transportation where Karen worked as a Drafter until her retirement in 2002.

Karen enjoyed cross country skiing, biking, camping, and spending time with her family. She was very open, forgiving, honest, and loving. Her family will always cherish their time with their mother, sister, and friend.

She is survived by her son, Zach of Anchorage, AK; daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Kyle Van Sant; grandchildren, Kavyn, Kenzie, and Kaydence, all of Wasilla, AK; sister, Terri Bloomingdale of Rockford, IL; brother, Kevin McQuaid of Eugene, OR.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Hess.

A celebration of life will be held for Karen at the Bayshore Clubhouse on Friday, May 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m.