Karen Allegra McRae

Lifelong Alaskan Karen Allegra McRae, 58, died Sept. 24, 2012, at her home in Wasilla.

Pastor Henry Woodall will officiate at a celebration of her life at 1 p.m., Sept. 29 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wasilla.

Karen was born July 31, 1954, to Wilson Anderson and Dorothea Rassmusen in Alaska.

Shortly after Karen graduated from Dimond High School in Anchorage, she was introduced to her future husband, Les in 1972. They married in 1973 and enjoyed 39 years together. They traveled together throughout Alaska in their motor home while enjoying fishing, canoeing, camping, skiing and motorcycling (an activity that Karen particularly loved). Karen was an avid reader, enjoyed rock hunting and doting on her many animals throughout the years.

After 11 years of marriage she had her first son, Aaron, and later gave birth to a second son, Travis. She had a wonderful sense of humor and love is how most people described her.

Her sons said she was a devoted, caring, and loving mother, but insist that such a description does not begin to describe what she meant to them.

Her husband Les wrote, “Karen was gentle and could not say no to anybody who was in need.”

Her sister Thea wrote, “She was the essence of calmness, kindness and love.”

Her sister Holly wrote, “My sis loved life, camping, gardening, enjoying children, family, motorcycling, she liked her dragons and fairies, and the belief that anything is possible whether it comes from above and beyond or from our mind or imagination.”

In lieu of flowers, make donations to: Mat-Su Animal Shelter, 350 E. Dahlia Ave., Palmer, AK 99654.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. A guestbook and obituary are online at alaskanfuneral.com.