Karen Jane (Cook) Westhausen, 83, died peacefully Dec. 13, surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Sauk Center, Minn., she graduated from St. Paul’s Wilson High School in 1950 and received a bachelor’s degree from American International College in 1970. She taught primary and secondary school for more than 30 years in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at St. Bernard’s and St. Rose in St. Paul.
She was a prolific reader, gardener, birder, hiker, world traveler and patron of the arts. An avid daily walker, she filled her pockets with dog treats for the dog residents of south St. Anthony. All that knew her were better for it.
She was preceded in death by her brother George Cook. She is survived by her brother James Cook; her children, David and Sue (Lane), Deborah Tennant, Dennis and Cheryl (Moran); five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and her longtime friend Raymond Zeller.
A memorial service was held Jan. 30 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
