Karen Hawks, 74

Our beloved sister and aunt, Karen Hawks, 74, of Port Townsend, Wash., passed away Jan. 2, 2024, of complications from a heart attack. 

Karen was born on Feb. 8, 1949, to Rita and Norman Hawks in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. She graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1967, where she was active in many clubs including Girls League, Pep Club, Cheerleading and Drill Team. 

After high school, Karen became a flight attendant for United Airlines. Over the course of her life, she worked as a therapy technician, bookkeeper and legal secretary. The career that Karen excelled at and enjoyed the most was as a nanny. A natural caregiver, she loved working with kids, and they loved her back. 

Karen was a devoted mother to her son, David “Davey” Clay Hatfield, who was born on March 4, 1975, and died on June 9, 1986, from a rare neurological condition. Though Davey was only expected to live to the age of 5, he thrived under Karen’s resolute and loving care to the age of 11. Davey was the love of her life. 

To those who knew her, Karen was thoughtful, down to earth, and full of love and humor. She made people feel at home. She was a talented crafter who enjoyed making knitted and crocheted gifts for her family members.

Karen is survived by her brother, William Hawks; sister Raneta Cave (George Cave); and nieces and nephews, Kathy Hawks, David Hawks, Michael Hawks, Susan Hawks, Shelby Montgomery and Lindsey Montgomery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cure GM1 Foundation (curegm1.org) on Karen and Davey’s behalf.