This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Pass, Paxton, Johnson, Warnock, Laub, Tye, Robinson Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/YZ5.2ACIB/989 Message Board Post: Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake City, UT February 18-19, 2004 Karen Johnson "An Inspiration" Karen Jean Pass Johnson, age 56, our beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away on February 16, 2004, ending a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on June 21, 1947 in Salt Lake City to Joseph and Jean Pass. She married Gail Paxton and had five children; later divorced. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher and at the age of 46, graduated from Westminster College with degrees in English and art. She taught art at Albion Middle School until she was forced to retire due to recurrent cancer. Dedicating a great deal of her time to increasing breast cancer awareness, she did much to educate the public. This included speaking engagements, volunteer work, even participation in a march on the White House, which resulted in the passage of a bill appropriating increased funding for cancer research. She was also one of the driving forces behind the publication of the book, "Our Gift of Lov! e, Personal Stories of Breast Cancer Courage," which she co-authored. Among other awards, she was recently honored at a luncheon for "Speaking of Women's Health." A beautiful bench, surrounded by pink tulips now resides in Red Butte Garden in honor of all who have been touched by breast cancer. Karen was instrumental in establishing this memorial. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she faithfully served in many callings, touching lives with her gift for teaching. Throughout her life she was an inspiration to many people. She will always be remembered for her positive outlook on life, faith, courage, diligence, and love for all who knew her. Her greatest happiness was her family. She cherished her five children and beautiful grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. She valiantly endured her 26-year battle with cancer, living a remarkable life. Karen loved holidays, family parties, art, gardening, and especially pink tulips! - a symbol she adopted to signify life, hope, and strength. Survived b y children, Tricia (Brad) Warnock, Wade (Kindra) Paxton, Natalie (Richard) Paxton, Matthew (Rebecca) Paxton, Ryan (Judi) Paxton, 16 grandchildren, parents Joe and Jean Pass, sisters Margo Laub, Jan Tye, Cindy (Cort) Robinson, special cousins, nieces and nephews, and "Aunt", as well as many cherished friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 12:00 noon at the Garden Heights Ward, 2220 E. Fisher Lane (2935 S.). Friends may call Friday evening, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, and at the church on Saturday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.