Karen Peterson Query

Karen Peterson Query was an avid traveler, a lover of life, grandmother of 4, and the life partner of Ron Query. She was born on July 1st, 1951 in Chicago and grew up in Illinois, Louisiana, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Karen was the only child of Joseph Peterson and Martha Kennedy; both died when Karen was a young adult.  She earned a sociology degree from the American University and an MBA from the Rensselaer Institute. She had a vibrant and diverse career as a human resources manager and consultant, including 20 years at General Electric, and her expertise took her as far away as Switzerland and as local as Providence Health. It was while working at GE that she met the love of her life, Ron Query. Twelve years later, she married Ron in Tacoma in 2002 in a small ceremony with their family by their side. Karen was a loving stepmom to Ron’s adult children Nate, Toby, and Crystal, and their spouses Marissa, Tahni, and Ryan. She loved warm and sunny places yet moved to temperate Portland with Ron to be near their family, which eventually included four grandchildren: Birch (9), Althea (9), Esmé (7), and Finn (6). She had a deep love of travel and travelled with Ron, with friends, and solo to many countries including Colombia, Cuba, China, and regularly spent time in Provence, France. She also had a deep curiosity for places closer to home and travelled throughout the Pacific Northwest. She will be remembered for her vitality, engaging personality, thoughtfulness, excellent cooking, graciousness, and the love she bestowed upon people around her and her family. She will also be remembered for her dedication to numerous non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Mercy Corps, as well as her connection to the Trinity Episcopal congregation. Karen passed away in her home on May 31st from a rapidly advancing cancer. She will be missed by all who were fortunate to spend time with her. Karen’s life will be celebrated at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th Avenue in Portland, Oregon.  

In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to Mercy Corps.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen Peterson Query, please visit our floral store.