Karen Stevenson

Madison - Karen H. Stevenson died on Wednesday, June 25th, 2014 of multiple myeloma. Her death was beautiful--as was her life. She passed away at home surrounded by her husband, Bernie Cesnik; her daughter; her stepchildren; and her grandchildren.
Karen was funny, assertive, smart, and active in the world around her. She grew up in Chicago, of proud Norwegian stock, and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and her MSW from Rutgers University. She was well known and respected in Madison's mental health community for her work as manager of Emergency Services at the Dane County Mental Health Center. She was also active in her retirement, volunteering with Survivors of Suicide, Yahara House, Clean Wisconsin, and even traveling to Tanzania for three months with Cross-Cultural Solutions.
Karen travelled widely, including trips to Cuba, France, Slovenia, India, and Hawaii with Bernie. She also cherished her home and cultivated a beautiful garden in her backyard. For the past few years, she doted on her newest granddaughter, Daisy.
Karen's many years of service to human beings should not overshadow her unconditional dedication over the years to numerous beloved dogs, cats, and guinea pigs, including Star, Rocket, Rosie, Major, Monte, Fishball, Bailey, and Lucy.
The outpouring of love and support from friends and family during her final weeks reflected her enormous impact on those around her. To the end of her life, Karen remained graceful, wise, and appreciative of all the love and care she received from the staff at the UW Hospital Carbone Cancer Center, Group Health Cooperative, and Agrace Hospice.
Special thanks to Fred and Carolyn, Barbara and Dennis, and Kristen and Sorrel for the long and loving hours that they spent at Karen's bedside. Thank you also to all of our friends, neighbors and relatives who called, wrote, brought food, laughed and cried with us, or otherwise eased the burden of our loss.
Friends may call at the First Unitarian Society of Madison (900 University Bay Drive, Madison, WI) on Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 1:00pm until the time of Memorial Service at 3:00pm with The Rev. Michael Schuler presiding. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dane County Humane Society or your favorite environmental organization.