I met Karen Goldwach In Miss Morgan's session. We sat alphabetically - both 'Gs' - destined to be together for the next four years. Unfortunately Miss Morgan separated us during our sophomore year for talking and laughing too much. Karen was moved near Trissy Lerner - an L - and Kay Meiselman - an 'M'. I was moved near Barb Heller - an H.
Karen and I traveled throughout Europe the summer of 1965. It was one hell of an adventure. Karen stood up in my wedding and I was one of a few invited to hers. Later as young marrieds we spent summers boating in Three Lakes Wisconsin and snowmobiling in the winter. Through
children, divorce, death, illness, and of course celebrations - we were always in close contact. Karen has two grown sons - Mathew lives in San Francisco working for Microsoft as a graphic designer - and Jonathan - living in Seattle - working several jobs finding and finding a 'seriousness of purpose.'
Karen was the party joke editor for Playboy Magazine. She knew every joke in the book - the 'playboy book.' I always said Karen would make a great guest on Johnny Carson or David Letterman. She edited the joke page for almost 3 decades - and never duplicated the same joke twice. Karen also authored Dining in Chicago - a collection of receipts from well known Chicago restaurants.
She was married to David Stevens - senior editor of Playboy Magazine. David edited the wine, food, and adventure section. They traveled extensively to exotic places and entertained for hours telling stories - ala the Fitzgeralds - with quick wit and snappy patter. In 1982 they were commissioned to write a travel article on La Selva, a resort, located deep in the jungles of Equator. Before they left for the trip Karen called me while writing the family will. Before she spoke I said 'Karen I would be honored to take care of the boys if something should happen to you.' Karen quickly responded - ' Ida, not the boys - the dogs.'
Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer and had the usual protocol of a lumpectomy and radiation. Unfortunately, 4 years after diagnosis she ignored the signs of her cancer metastasizing. Karen passed away August 2, 2007 one month after being admitted to Northwestern Hospital. Although divorced, David and the boys were at her bedside.
Karen had so many plans - unfinished projects - places to see and books to write. I miss her and think of her all the time.
Ida, what an interesting life karen had. It just amazes me at how many talented , wonderful successful people were in our class. I have fond memories of Karen on the trampoline in gym. We would call out skating moves aka triple schowcow (?) etc and then preform them In the air....not
I didn't know her well but really liked her. Am sorry for her family's loss.
Ida, what an interesting life karen had. It just amazes  me at how many talented , wonderful successful people were in our class. I have fond memories of Karen on the trampoline in gym. We would call out skating moves aka triple schowcow (?) etc and then preform them In the air....not
I didn't know her well but really liked her. Â Am sorry for her family's loss.
Ida, you really describe Karen well. I was a great admirer of her quick wit and enormous charm.
