Karen Granrud

Cousin Karen was adopted. Aunt Edith and Uncle Harold wanted a second child but Edith's first childbirth was so difficult that they decided on adoption for number two. Since Granruds are of Norwegian origin, Karen was selected because of her Norwegian natural parents. She had dark hair and blue eyes. She was four years older than me and my companion on all family gatherings with the Granruds. When my family arrived at the Granrud San Marino home, I would head straight for her bedroom on the second floor. She had a loving and patient disposition and helped me unwrap my Christmas presents and play games. She supervised when I played with friends in my back yard. She graduated from South Pasadena High School, then Arizona State and was a sorority member. A sorority friend was her condo mate for many years. Karen had a lifelong career teaching 5th grade in Torrance. She was honored as Teacher of the Year. Unhappily, she developed breast cancer at age 42. She had surgery but a few years later cancer was discovered throughout her body.