Karen Kahtleen Gesley's Obituary
Karen GesleyJune 5, 1935 - Aug. 20, 2013 On Aug. 20, Karen, 78, died at Willamette Falls Hospital with family by her side. Karen was born in Oregon City, OR to Kathleen and Franklin Mead Oswald. Her brothers Franklin and Johnny predeceased her. She attended Barclay Elementary and Oregon City High School, where she met her lifelong love Edward M. Gesley. They married on 10 July 1954 and raised four children Mark, Mead, Susan, and Julie. Married for almost 60 years their love will remain a great inspiration to her family.Karen was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother of eight. She was athletic and after raising her children she enjoyed playing golf with her friends and family. Her loyalty and devotion to those close to her was tempered with a spirited view of the world around her. She was not afraid to speak her mind and lived the life she believed in.In the last decade, and particularly in the past few years, she had a long struggle with cancer. The family is grateful to the extraordinary intensive care she received at Legacy Good Samarian in Portland, as well as the kindness of her home care and medical staff these latter days. Her strength and bravery in confronting this suffering inspired all around her. We shall miss her dearly and carry the memory of her life and love forever. A memorial service will be held 1 pm, Friday August 23rd at Holman-Hankins followed by a celebration of her life at the Museum of the Oregon Territory both in Oregon City.
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