HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 392 Offered February 27, 2006 Celebrating the life of Karen Abse. ----------
Patrons-- Waddell, Cox, Dance, Hall, Jones, D.C., McEachin, Nixon and Ware, R.L.
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WHEREAS, Karen Abse of Midlothian, well-known in the Richmond area as an artist, kayaker, mountain climber, and volunteer coordinator of athletic events, died on January 21, 2006, when her kayak capsized in the James River; and

WHEREAS, a native of Bethesda, Maryland, and a graduate of Hartford College, where she was a sculpture major, Karen Abse took art classes at Virginia Commonwealth University and was well-known locally for her metal sculptures, especially her copper weathervanes; and

WHEREAS, an enthusiastic outdoorswoman, Karen Abse could usually be found hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, playing soccer, running, or kayaking; and

WHEREAS, Karen Abse was certified to teach canoeing, white-water kayaking, and sea kayaking, a level of proficiency rarely found among paddle sports enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, Karen Abse had been a volunteer at Mesa Vista, a therapeutic horseback-riding program for special needs children in the Powhatan County schools, and was frequently a volunteer referee in area soccer matches; and

WHEREAS, Karen Abse was instrumental in starting the only all-women crew in the annual James River Batteau Festival, serving as captain of the Lady Slipper for 17 years; and

WHEREAS, a vital, enthusiastic, generous, and extremely active member of the Richmond community, Karen Abse will be missed by her legion of friends, colleagues, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the untimely loss of an exceptional Virginian, Karen Abse; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Karen Abse as an expression of the respect in which her memory is held by the members of the General Assembly.